Lotus F1 driver Pastor Maldonado not interested in driver coaches

The Venezuelan has become renowned for making mistakes throughout his racing career, following his debut in 2011, and has been involved in a number of on-track incidents.

The recent Austrian and Canadian GPs represent only the second time he has scored points in consecutive F1 races, the other in late 2012 with Williams.

In tennis, a number of high-profile players employ ex-Grand Slam champion as coaches, such as Novak Djokovic teaming up with Boris Becker while Andy Murray worked with Ivan Lendl.

And Maldonado's team-mate Romain Grosjean sought advice from three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart after his troubled 2012 season.

But when asked if he would consider a similar relationship, Maldonado said: "I don't think so to be honest.

"It's very difficult to have someone who is not driving, who doesn't know the conditions and how the car itself feels.

"It's especially difficult with the tyres we have now to understand, even for us, the feeling in real time.

"It's a bit complicated for someone external to say something.

"I think we are all professionals here, all with a lot of experience.

"We've been driving for many years, we know what to do when dealing with a championship or team strategies.

"I wouldn't choose anyone. It's a single-seater car, not a rally car..."

Grosjean said his conversations with Stewart were more focused on life in Formula 1 but there were some things he could learn in terms of the approach to driving.

"The driving is a bit far away to compare," said Grosjean.

"It was more about life in Formula 1, where you should see yourself in the world and how you can improve. It was very interesting.

"At the end of the day, driving a car as fast as you can is always the same.

"Of course there have been changes around Formula 1 - more communication, more media, maybe more professional somehow.

"But when it gets to closing the visor and driving, it's about the same."

And Grosjean said talking to former drivers will only be useful if the driver himself buys into it.

"It needs to come from you when you want to go and see someone and ask questions, get help or advice," he said.

"I phoned Jackie and said 'can I come to yours?' It was nice."