Pastor Maldonado confirms F1 exit after losing Renault seat

Pastor Maldonado has confirmed he will not be competing in Formula 1 this year, having lost his Renault seat to Kevin Magnussen

Autosport revealed earlier on Monday Magnussen had signed a deal for 2016 to replace Maldonado at the new Renault works team.

Now, via a statement, Maldonado has declared his immediate future is not in F1.

"As everyone knows, in recent days, there have been a number of rumours about my immediate future in Formula 1," he said.

"Today I most humbly inform you I will not be present on the starting grid for the 2016 F1 season."

"Thanks for all your messages of support, passion and concern for my future.

"I feel very honoured, with the support of all of you and proud of my professional performance.

ANALYSIS: Was Maldonado poised for a breakthrough?

"I thank God, my family, my sponsors, my friends, my fans and all who have helped me realise this great dream of being able to represent Venezuela in the pinnacle of motorsport.

"See you soon."

The statement brings to an end Maldonado's five-year career in F1, the first three with Williams, and the latter two with the Lotus team Renault has acquired.

The 30-year-old made 95 starts in F1, with the highlight being the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix victory with Williams.

Unfortunately for Maldonado, the Venezuelan earned a reputation as someone prone to being involved in incidents.

Maldonado was personally sponsored by PDVSA, his country's state-owned oil and gas giant, to the tune of $46million per annum.

PDVSA became involved in a dispute with Renault over payments, resulting in it opting to tear up the contract it had previously signed, leaving Maldonado without a seat.

shares
comments

Alex Lynn 'overdelivered' in 2015 F1 role - Claire Williams

Why Magnussen deserves a second chance

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jonathan Noble

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinuackas

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Matt Kew

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Subscribe