Maldonado was for a time teammate with Nico Hülkenberg, and was bettered by the driver he is now replacing at Williams, however, Maldonado also brings sponsorship to Williams from the Venezuelan government (through the state-owned PDVSA oil company), and such combined with his GP2 champion credentials are a very attractive package for a mid-running team.
| Nationality & DoB | Venezuelan, 09-03-85 |
| Team | Williams |
| Car Number | 12 |
| Prior Teams | None |
| Championships | 0 |
| Races | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 0 |
| First Race | 2011 Australian Grand Prix |
| First Win | None |
| Last Win | N/A |
Pastor Maldonado was born in Venezuela, and whilst he is not the first Venezuelan F1 driver, Venezuela does not have a strong motor racing history, with just two F1 drivers prior to Maldonado: Ettore Chimeri was the first Venezuelan to compete in F1, driving in the 1960 Argentine GP, Chimeri did not complete the race and was killed shortly afterwards. Johnny Cecotto competed in the 1983 & 84 seasons winning one point. Maldonado has developed considerable political support, considering himself a friend of Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, and gaining sponsorship from the state-owned PDVSA oil company.
In 2003, he competed in the Italian Formula Renault Championship, finishing in seven place, his results improved dramatically in 2004, winning the championship. He also race in the 2004, European Formula Renault and was classified eighth overall, with two wins.
2005 was a difficult year for Maldonado, he was unable to contest the entire season in any class, making four starts in the Italian F3000 championship, (winning one), and seven starts in the World Series by Renault, (best finish seventh). The season was overshadowed by Maldonado WSR race in Monaco. He ignored warning flags, notifying drivers of an track accident, and did not slow down, his car hit and seriously injured a race marshal. He was banned for four races for dangerous driving.
2006 was a better year for Maldonado, but was again disrupted by controversy. He was driving in the Formula Renault 3.5 series for Draco Racing. He won the first race at Misano but was disqualified for technical infringements. He went on to win three further races and have six more podium finishes. Maldonado finished the season in third place, however, if the teams appeal regarding the disqualification had been won he would have claimed the championship.
Pastor moved to the GP2 series 2007, missing the last four races due to injury, but he did record a win in Monaco. In 2008, he moved team and his results improved finishing in fifth place in the championship.
In 2009, he moved to the ART GP, his teammate Nico Hülkenberg won the championship, Maldonado finished in sixth place. (It is Hülkenberg that he is replacing at Williams F1 in 2011).
Maldonado had a great 2010 GP2 season, racing for the Rapex Team he clinched the title in the penultimate race in Monza.
Maldonado will race with Williams in 2011, many feel Nico Hülkenberg was unfortunate to be dropped by the team to be replaced by a former teammate that he comprehensibly beat in earlier years. Nevertheless, F1 is a very costly business and a driver with strong financial backing is an attractive package.
Share This on :
Tags : Pastor Maldonado | Williams
