5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

Rumour has it Pastor Maldonado could be replaced at Renault for 2016, possibly by Kevin Magnussen. Here's why we should believe the gossip...
5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

According to the Telegraph, ex-McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen is in talks with Renault’s F1 team over a seat, possibly replacing Pastor Maldonado.

He reportedly visited the Enstone factory for two days last week, most likely to discuss a reserve role, but the Telegraph claims Maldonado’s position at Renault could be under threat. Here are a few reasons why that might be the case.

1. Issues with PVDSA

5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

Maldonado has long been sponsored by Venezuela’s state oil firm PDVSA, providing a considerable amount of money for him to drive in F1 – hence why he is often referred to as a “pay driver”. But recent corruption scandals, lower oil prices and political uncertainty have put Maldonado’s sponsorship at risk. Plus, the BBC reports that PDVSA’s payment of around £35million is several weeks overdue.

2. Does Renault need sponsorship?

5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

But the question is, now Lotus has been taken over by Renault, is a sponsor providing such a big sum really necessary? Without PDVSA, the team would still have a healthy budget and keep on going in F1. It wouldn’t be a threat to its involvement in the sport, that’s for sure.

Lotus was sold back to Renault for just £1, but of course the French manufacturer then took on and had to pay off the considerable debts it had built up. Now those at the team have the security they need and that shouldn’t change if a big sponsor like PDVSA disappears.

3. Magnussen is a talented chap

5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

Kevin Magnussen has certainly not been given the opportunities he deserves in F1. He made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2014, scoring a podium on his debut and regularly matching and beating team-mate Jenson Button.

Fernando Alonso’s arrival demoted the Dane to the reserve driver role and with opportunities at McLaren drying up, he decided to part ways at the end of 2015. Now he is on the hunt for a fresh start and he is certainly an attractive option for teams – young, but clearly very quick and already with experience under his belt. Surely he would be a better option than Maldonado?

4. Lack of results

5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

Maldonado has scored a victory in Formula 1. He has proved several times he has speed and some talent. But he just makes too many mistakes and fails to perform too often. He scored 27 points in 2015 compared to Lotus team-mate Romain Grosjean’s 51 and has, of course, developed a reputation as an error-prone, hot-headed driver. Magnussen could be a much safer pair of hands for Renault.

5. Spare parts bill

5 Reasons Why Maldonado Might Be Forced Out Of F1 Very Soon

We all know and love Maldonado for his unpredictability, mistakes and crashes. Many jokes have been said about him, but having the reputation he has also brings with it lots of extra costs, especially in the spare parts department. A front wing alone costs around £150,000 each, and we dread to think how many he has broken…

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Comments

Anonymous

Magnussen should replace him

01/13/2016 - 11:50 |
26 | 0
Uncivilsum

It also depends on the question whetever pvdsa have already paid for the 2016 season or not

01/13/2016 - 11:57 |
0 | 0
AshleyC

I’d love to see Magnussen get a seat in 2016. Fresh talent that sadly hasn’t had a chance.

01/13/2016 - 12:09 |
10 | 0
LeloCro

Maldonado is underrated, i mean he has won a race in F1

01/13/2016 - 12:21 |
3 | 3

A race…

Just a race :P

01/13/2016 - 12:59 |
1 | 0

There’s no denying he is quick but he just doesn’t show it very often

01/13/2016 - 13:27 |
5 | 0

It’s only one more than you and I have, and I dunno about you, but I haven’t even been trying!

01/13/2016 - 13:32 |
4 | 0
Mk1Kieran

I hope this happens!

01/13/2016 - 12:23 |
0 | 0
Antiprius

Maldonado should crash into Magnussen.

01/13/2016 - 12:23 |
37 | 2
Jamie Thomas

Is my revision now worthless?

01/13/2016 - 12:41 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Well, at least he has a safe spot on the next Mad Max movie

01/13/2016 - 13:04 |
39 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

This is awesome :’D

01/13/2016 - 13:57 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I think Maldonado should stay in F1, but only be deployed when races get really boring. Just to liven things up a bit. Come out at random points of the race, from random areas of track like run-off areas…pull into driver’s pit boxes on the same lap they’re due to pit…

I have thought about this way too much.

01/13/2016 - 13:10 |
123 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Yeah and he should be sponsored by Randy Orton !

WATCH OUT, WATCH OUT, WATCH OUT, BOOOOOM OUTTA NO WHERE

01/13/2016 - 13:46 |
66 | 0
Liam Podmore

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Just airdrop him in every so often, Fast 7 style.

01/13/2016 - 13:53 |
16 | 0
Mayank

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

And that my friend is John Cena for you

01/13/2016 - 18:28 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

So like an un-safety car?

01/13/2016 - 20:43 |
7 | 0