Wolff believes di Resta may have "revived" his F1 career

Toto Wolff thinks that Paul di Resta could have possibly revived his F1 career after his impressive display in qualifying on Saturday. The Brit was unexpectedly drafted in to replace Felipe Massa after the Brazilian felt too sick to be able to drive the car at a competitive level.

Di Resta had never driven the FW40 before he took it out for qualifying, and had only completed 10 laps in the FW36, the only other hybrid car he's driven. Nevertheless, di Resta will start the race from nineteenth and qualified only seven-tenths behind teammate Lance Stroll.

Mercedes is currently without a reserve driver, but has set its sights on di Resta: "We would put Niki (Lauda) in the car," Toto Wolff joked. "We would probably use Paul (di Resta). He did an incredible job, having never driven that car and only being seven-tenths slower than Lance Stroll. Perhaps he has revived his F1 career today."

It is believed that Massa is suffering from Labyrinthitis, a virus that has made its way through the F1 paddock. In Silverstone, former Grand Prix driver turned pundit Martin Brundle fell ill with the same condition, and there has been a further eight cases reported through the paddock. 

Deputy team principal at Williams Claire Williams stated that Massa would have some tests following the weekend: "He's having vertigo and has some problems with his ears but I don't know the medical terminology. He (Massa) will have some more tests after the weekend."

Fergal Walsh