McLaren also considered Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for the departing Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 seat, team boss Martin Whitmarsh admitted on Friday.
He told British broadcaster Sky at Suzuka that, before signing Mexican Sergio Perez, the great British team looked closely at Force India’s current lineup.
"Well I think (McLaren considered) Paul Di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg — there are no real surprises there," Whitmarsh told former McLaren driver turned commentator Martin Brundle.
"They are both under contract, but both are undoubtedly available to us and I think they are both are very good drivers."
He said it was a "very close decision" to sign Perez over Scot di Resta and German Hulkenberg, who are both still linked with Felipe Massa’s Ferrari seat.
"I think what we have with Sergio is someone who is perhaps less developed but has masses of talent, who doesn’t make mistakes and is a very good racer," Whitmarsh explained.
"We were looking at potential and I think what we were trying to do was pick someone who was going to progress beyond where they are now. We think he will, but we don’t know."