By Adam Tate, Managing Editor
With the Venezuelan economy in tatters and his reputation at an all time low, it was only a matter of time before oil giant PDVSA pulled the plug on Pastor Maldonado’s backing.
It now appears the writing is on the wall and the F1 rumor mill is going full tilt, pointing directly to ex-McLaren man Kevin Magnussen.
With PDVSA’s financial backing run dry, Maldonado’s options to remain in F1 for a sixth season seems slight at best.
Meanwhile, Magnussen will be inheriting a lead driver role at a manufacturer where he should be comfortably ahead of his rookie team mate to be Jolyon Palmer.
Word is that Magnussen is ready to put pen to paper and sign a contract over the weekend, with an announcement to come at Renault’s launch next Wednesday.
