Paul was forced to retire with just three laps remaining of the rain-drenched Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal after his Force India VJM04 suffered a puncture following contact with a wall.
Paul, who started 11th on the grid, had run as high as sixth during the race but fell back after the front of his car was damaged when Renault driver Nick Heidfeld cut across him during an overtaking manoeuvre.
"The conditions were terrible, and it was quite a scary experience; the decision to start the race behind the Safety Car was definitely the correct one.
"Most of the track was ok to start on, but the main straight was bad; I had severe difficulties seeing even the lights of the car in front. Also it was the first time we've all used the Pirelli wets, so everyone was in an unknown position at the start.
"Bert Mylander, who drives the Mercedes Safety Car, actually walked the grid before the start of the race and spoke with all the drivers to get their viewpoints, so the consensus was definitely to start behind the Safety Car.
"Once we got started, even behind the Safety Car there were a lot of rivers running across the track and they were catching people out.
"After the restart I think things were going well until I lost my front wing against Nick Heidfeld at the chicane when he cut across me. That gave me a drive-through penalty, which I was quite surprised to receive because it only really compromised me.
"After that I was coming back through the field and I was pushing to pass Rubens Barrichello in the final few laps. Unfortunately I pushed a bit too hard and clipped the wall, which gave me a puncture.
"That’s why I had to park the car. It’s a shame because we had a strong car today and we could have come away with some important points.”
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