Paul Di Resta’s manager is hoping Force India remain true to their roots and do not consider employing a pay driver for next season.
At present, on the back of a wretched seven-race run without a point, Di Resta faces an uncertain future.
Although Force India have an option on Di Resta’s contract for next year, there are no guarantees they will retain the 26-year-old Scot.
Richard Goddard, who represents Di Resta, is concerned Force India could decide for the first time to take on a driver with a major sponsor behind him.
“It’s difficult to know what will happen next year,” Goddard said.
“There are a lot of drivers in the sport with money, and there are a lot of teams that need money.
“But Force India have always been very fair in that they have tended to put outright talent in the car, and they haven’t looked to a driver to bring in income, which is great.
“That’s because they are well funded by a couple of individuals and corporations who are able to do that, and hopefully they will carry on doing that.
“Some other teams are looking for drivers to bring in income, and unfortunately Paul doesn’t have a government-backed scheme or a rich billionaire standing behind him.”
Goddard appreciates Di Resta’s current form does not help his cause, although the pointless streak has been primarily due to the change in construction of Pirelli’s tyres following the blowout crisis that unfolded at the British Grand Prix.
Up to and including that race, Di Resta had scored points in seven of the first eight races, including a career-high equalling fourth in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Since the race in Germany when new tyres were introduced, Adrian Sutil has brought in just three points for Force India.
Another added complication is the Silverstone-based team delay announcing their line-up until the Christmas party.
By that period all the seats are usually taken, to which Goddard added: “We’re still under option. We haven’t been told we’re not going to be signed.
“But if the option lapses and doesn’t get taken up, then it is a case of waiting to see if Force India come back and negotiate.”