The Hulk Misses Out As Maldonado Bags Kimi's Lotus Hot Seat

Pastor Maldonado has edged out competition from Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez to secure the second seat at Lotus F1.

The Venezuelan driver will replace Kimi Raikkonen at the Enstone-based outfit after three years at Williams, the team he scored his first F1 victory with at last year's Spanish Grand Prix, and will partner Romain Grosjean.

The 28-year-old will bring plenty of sponsorship to the team thanks to backing from PDVSA, a state-owned Venezuelan oil company. Fast but often inconsistent, he has plenty to prove in 2014.

In an announcement he said:

"It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014. It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season. The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start. I can’t wait to be racing in black and gold."