Pastor Maldonado Tag

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 teamsRead More

By Adam Tate, Managing Editor Renault is back in Formula One as a full time constructor for the first time since 2011. The historic marque launched its new campaign today from Paris where Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn and other VIP’s debuted the stunning RS16 in a temporary black livery. Kevin Magnussen’s place in the team was also confirmed at the launch after much speculation. Magnussen will race alongside Joylon Palmer in an all new line up for the team after Romain Grosjean’s move to Haas and Pastor Maldonado’s recent departure from the sport. Esteban OconRead More

By Adam Tate, Managing Editor The recent rumors of Pastor Maldonado leaving Lotus/Renault have been confirmed today. The Grand Prix winner made the announcement via social media with the following statement: “Today with the utmost humility I inform you that I will not be present at the starting grid for the 2016 F1 season. Thanks for all your messages of support, passion and concern for my future.” It has yet to be confirmed if ex-McLaren man Kevin Magnussen will replace him, but sources expect a Magnussen announcement alongside Renault’s launch of theirRead More

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 roleRead More

Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory in a thrilling Canadian Grad Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve today. Despite late race instructions from the team to lift and coast 50 and then 100 meters entering the corners to save fuel, Hamilton had the race well in hand over team mate Nico Rosberg and crossed the line 2.285 seconds clear to claim his fourth victory of the year. Vettel and Massa move forward Behind Hamilton the race was frantic and fantastic for all 70 laps. A major talking point were Ferrari’s Sebastian VettelRead More

After a stellar performance on Saturday for the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve that saw Lotus F1 Team drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado qualify 5th and 6th respectively, the team aims for its best outing in nearly two years. Grosjean finished third FP3 with a time of 1:16.772 behind Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen. The daunting number is how far the Lotus F1 team was behind the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS machine driven by Rosberg – exactly 1.112s back. Both squads are powered with Mercedes engines. Still, theRead More

Lotus F1 Team scored their first points of the season after Romain Grosjean came home in a strong seventh position in the Chinese Grand Prix. It wasn’t so plain sailing for Pastor Maldonado who, despite a very strong start, suffered from braking issues and late race contact from Jenson Button, eventually retiring from the race with seven laps to go. Romain started from P8 on the grid on his qualifying soft tyres, changing to new medium tyres on laps 12 and 32. Pastor started from P11 on the grid onRead More