The Lotus F1 Team has confirmed that Pastor Maldonado will partner Romain Grosjean in 2014 after funding from Quantum Motorsports failed to arrive in time.
The Venezuelan was one of two drivers fighting for the seat. The other, Nico Hulkenberg, was the preferred option but his employment hinged on an investment deal with Quantum. That deal failed to deliver and therefore Lotus were forced to take Maldonado who brings an estimated £20 million per season in personal sponsorship through state-owned PDVSA.
Speaking about the decision, team principal Eric Boullier acknowledged Maldonado’s erratic driving style, but believes Lotus will offer an environment in which he will “flourish”.
“It is with great pleasure that we can formally confirm that Romain Grosjean will continue with Lotus F1 Team next season,” he said. “He has really made the most of his tremendous talent over the latter part of the 2013 season and will be a fantastic asset to our 2014 challenge.
“Romain will be joined by Pastor Maldonado; a driver I have known since he drove for me at DAMS in the 2005 World Series by Renault season. It is clear that Pastor has pace and potential – demonstrated by his 2010 GP2 Series title success and then through strong races throughout his career at Williams F1 Team – and we are convinced that we will be able to provide the correct environment to enable him to flourish regularly on track.
“We have been working on our new car in alignment with the new regulations for over two years and we are confident that we have a very good solution to all the challenges ahead. With Romain and Pastor I believe Lotus F1 Team will be able to cause quite a few surprises next year.”
Speaking about his appointment, the 28-year-old added: “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.”
Grosjean, who will enter his third full season with Lotus, added: “I am very happy to have official confirmation that I will be continuing to drive for Lotus F1 Team next season. This past year has been tremendously satisfying for me. We have worked well together, and I know everyone at Enstone is motivated to continue the fight for every last point available. I am very excited about next year’s car and I cannot wait to get out on track for pre-season testing before heading to Australia for the first race of the season.”
Discussion about this post