By Adam Tate, Associate Editor
Wider-faster-louder cars and fat Pirelli slicks are already set to make Formula One 2017 an exciting prospect for the fans, but if reports out of South America are to be trusted it could get a lot more exciting with Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado potentially returning to the grid. The controversial and crash prone driver could soon be back to his legendary hunting grounds.
The 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner, known for his searing speed and devil may care driving style, is reportedly in talks with several F1 teams about the possibility of a seat for 2017. Both Manor and Sauber have openings at the moment, which means the battle at the back of the grid could get a lot more interesting soon.
The former Williams and Lotus driver spoke optimistically to f1latam.com about his chances, “I’m talking to some teams and am quite optimistic. Unfortunately, circumstances pushed me out of the world of Formula 1, and you know getting back in through the front door is never easy, but we are working hard and I hope to have some good news in the coming weeks.”
While rivals may fear the prospect of Maldonado returning to the sport, F1 is always a better place with a fiery South American driver in the field who has a take no prisoners attitude a la Ayrton Senna, Juan Pablo Montoya, and so many others.
