Maldonado was later promoted to his first pole position in his Formula One career after Hamilton was excluded from the results of qualifying, due to having insufficient fuel in his car. Spins at Turn 6 and beaches the car in Practice 1. Heres our shortlist of the most accident-prone F1 drivers. Runs off the road by himself and damages the car on lap 14. In fact, when theyre flying around convoluted circuits at speeds in excess of 150mph the slightest loss of concentration could have very serious repercussions. [7] Maldonado also found the time to enter one round of the now defunct Formula Renault V6 Eurocup at Spa-Francorchamps, with a best finish of fifth place. Bruce Leang 8 years ago. He should be in a demolition derby. [46] His race was disappointing as he got his tyre punctured by Kobayashi after having passed the Sauber driver. However, is this reputation justified, or is Maldonado unfairly singled out? Pastor Maldonado Belgian F1 GP: Grosjean, Maldonado defend Lotus amid troubles, Belgian GP: Pastor Maldonado says F1 practice crash 'very unlucky', Belgian GP: Pastor Maldonado says F1 practice crash 'very unlucky' [33] Maldonado was beaten to the first corner by Fernando Alonso, but regained the lead after the second round of pit stops. 10 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Newey agrees contract extension with Red Bull F1 team, Newey agrees contract extension with Red Bull F1 team Made contact with Massa and damaged his front wing forcing him an early pit. In 2013 Maldonado also had 5 driver related reprimands, ranging from speeding in the pit-lane to causing collisions. 1985-03-09 (age 38), Save and / or retrieve information on a device, Ensure security, prevent fraud and correct errors, Provide advertisements or content technically, Use market research to gain insights about target groups, Receive and use automatically sent device properties for identification, Actively query device properties for identification. [54] At the following round in Malaysia, Maldonado did make the second qualifying session but was caught out by the rain meaning he failed to set a time and started the race 16th. Collides with Giedo van der Garde and damages both cars on lap 1. Why Maldonado deserves another chance in F1, 10 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, 10 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2008 G. Pantano Collides with Jules Bianchi and spins on lap 15. The Williams driver was handed two five-placed penalties following the Belgian Grand Prix. Four grands prix and no Pastor Maldonado crash - The Guardian Competition WIN a George Russell Graphic T-shirt. For causing the incident, Maldonado was given a ten-second stop-go penalty during the race, and after the race, three points on his FIA Super Licence, and a five-place grid penalty for the Chinese Grand Prix. He recorded his first finish in China, in eighteenth place. Pastor Maldonado confirms F1 exit after losing Renault seat, Kevin Magnussen completes deal to replace Pastor Maldonado, Kevin Magnussen completes deal to replace Pastor Maldonado Crashes into Paul di Resta on lap 48. All young drivers make mistakes but blatantly and repeatedly ignoring flags is a deliberate offence that is far worse than any simple error. Pastor Maldonado, I was further informed, had not crashed since the first lap of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 15 March. Prez also called for the stewards to take tough action against Maldonado. Maldonado's PDVSA sponsorship was key in getting him a race drive for Lotus. Maldonado claims he was "very close" to a Ferrari F1 deal for 2014, Le Mans 24 Hours: Pastor Maldonado crash causes long safety car, Le Mans 24 Hours: Pastor Maldonado crash causes long safety car I'll take that curve one time at 97, another time at 98, and a third time at maybe 101. Pastor Maldonado, We Hardly Knew Ye - vice.com Yes he has! His misadventures have triggered countless parodies, memes, and even a website called hasmaldonadocrashedtoday.com. In 2010, he won the GP2 championship over Sergio Perez, Jules Bianchi and several other future F1 drivers. Pastor Maldonado Maldonado was a target for a Campos Meta seat in 2010. Follow me on Twitter for updates when I publish new articles and for other (mostly) F1-related news and banter: Pastor Maldonado at the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix. [74], At the Spanish Grand Prix, Maldonado was again involved in an incident he was hit by team mate Romain Grosjean, who had just returned to the track after missing a braking point, causing rear wing damage to Maldonado's car. They were the good things in my career. Registered at Goodwood House, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX. Bahrain 2015 race. On lap 56 (the penultimate lap of the race), Maldonado was battling with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton for third place, however Hamilton forced Maldonado off the track at turn 12 and Maldonado returned to track and collided with Hamilton in turn 13, with Maldonado losing steering on the high curbs. But even with the victory, Maldonado finished 15th in the 2012 drivers' standings, managing just one more finish above eighth place (fifth in Abu Dhabi). He was nicknamed "Crashtor" and a website called Has Maldonado Crashed Today? Collides with Jean Eric Vergne and spins on lap 65. Review his driving record below and make your own decision. Pastor Maldonado. The remainder of the season saw no less than five crashes (into debris, Hamilton, Perez, Paul di Resta and Timo Glock) and three penalties at the Belgian Grand Prix. [92][93], Maldonado was originally due to continue with Lotus for 2016,[94] however, the team was bought by Renault, and Maldonado's contract was terminated following several problems with Maldonado's sponsor, PDVSA. Maldonado did not score any more points for the rest of the season, nor did he reach Q3 for the rest of the season. GPblog.com. Taki Inoue is a bit of an odd one. [51] At the start of the season Maldonado commented that the new FW35 chassis was a step back towards where the team were in 2011. All drivers make mistakes, but Maldonado is put under far more scrutiny than others because of an unfair perception that has built up over time. Barcelona F1 test: Pastor Maldonado fastest on day three for Lotus, Barcelona F1 test: Maldonado fastest, Wolff and Nasr collide, Barcelona F1 test: Maldonado fastest, Wolff and Nasr collide Look. hide this ad (Not all incidents were Pastor's fault, and only incidents in the race are considered). Do you want daily uptadtes on the crashes of the best F1 driver in the history of the universe? [40] Maldonado qualified seventh in the British Grand Prix and ran as high as sixth before a pit-stop on lap 11 which dropped him into the midfield. Pastor would do well to follow suit. He was also disqualified from a GP2 race for disregarding marshals instructions which suggests he doesnt think rationally behind the wheel. The former Formula 1 driver is known to many fans because of his crashes in Maldonado blamed Hamilton for the incident,[39] however the stewards gave Maldonado a 20-second time penalty which dropped Maldonado out of the points to twelfth position. 26 likes. [50], On 28 November 2012, Maldonado was retained by Williams for the 2013 season, where he was partnered by Finnish rookie Valtteri Bottas. Crashes into Sergio Perez on lap 12. Maldonado also received 14 penalties throughout the season, five ahead of Sergio Prez and Michael Schumacher, Maldonado's grid penalties for both driving offences and gearbox changes totaled to 38 grid places, 1.8 per race. But the Venezuelan says that the front row is his natural habitat and his critics don't realise Ex-F1 driver Maldonado wants 'reset' after tough WEC debut at Spa, Ex-F1 racer Pastor Maldonado surprised by WEC LMP2 car performance, Ex-F1 racer Pastor Maldonado surprised by WEC LMP2 car performance Former Williams driver Maldonado scored the teams most recent victory in 2012 but earned a reputation for bizarre incidents. Amongst the current field of Grand Prix drivers there are none who receive more frequent criticism than Pastor Maldonado. Over the last four years Maldonado has been involved in a string of incidents, and has received more penalties than any other driver, giving him a reputation as an accident waiting to happen. He is then penalised for speeding through the pits whilst serving that penalty with another drive through penalty. [24] Maldonado finished sixteen points ahead of Barwa Addax's Sergio Prez. was created to track his many mishaps. Receives a penalty for doing so. [21] Maldonado was often overshadowed by team-mate and 2009 champion Nico Hlkenberg, but Maldonado still finished sixth overall, helping ART to the teams title. All pilot sitting behind the wheel of these cars, deserves the utmost respect considering the risks inherent in their profession, as for permit to increase it at each meeting with the presence of a talent so lackluster as Maldoblado; and if you want a sample button, there are as many as buttons have their steering wheel. His worst behaviour came when he was racing in the little leagues, including the controversial clash with Dave Morgan during a battle for second position at Crystal Palace in October 1970, when the pair collided and crashed out of the race, before Hunt got out of his car and pushed him to the ground. Davidson: Maldonado WEC win his second best after Williams F1 victory, Ex-F1 driver Maldonado wants 'reset' after tough WEC debut at Spa, Ex-F1 driver Maldonado wants 'reset' after tough WEC debut at Spa On behalf of Marty Porter who sourced & wrote it youre most welcome! Pastor Maldonado is better than he gets credit for says Lotus team, Pastor Maldonado says Lotus F1 team can regularly fight for points, Pastor Maldonado says Lotus F1 team can regularly fight for points Asked whether he considered he former team-mate a fair and clean driver, Zuber said, "He was very hard when you fight man-to-man, but never really unfair.". He was classified third overall, with three race wins, six further podium finishes, and five pole positions.[14][15]. [77] At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Srgio Prez tried to overtake Maldonado at the outside of the corner, Maldonado failed to leave enough room so the two collided, causing Prez to spin. Collides with Max Chilton and hits the barriers on lap 44. Runs off at high speed over the grass in Practice 1 and stops the car on track shortly afterwards. Rapax also won the Teams' Championship, five points ahead of Barwa Addax. Receives a ten place grid penalty for doing so. WebMaldonado crashed at lot, certainly more frequently than his rivals, yet he was unable to accept blame or mend his ways. In the US Grand Prix, Maldonado started 13th, but had to take avoiding action in the first corner, which dropped him to 18th. Lotus F1 driver Pastor Maldonado not interested in driver coaches, Max Verstappen amused by criticism from F1 rival Pastor Maldonado, Max Verstappen amused by criticism from F1 rival Pastor Maldonado Hakkinen hits out at crash-prone Maldonado Newey agrees contract extension with Red Bull F1 team, F1 must seek answers after boring Baku F1 race, says Wolff, F1 must seek answers after boring Baku F1 race, says Wolff Aside from his pay driver status, Maldonado also gained a reputation over his career as somewhat wild and unpredictable on the circuit. Mercedes F1 move would not cure Lotus issues instantly - Maldonado, Pastor Maldonado says F1 crash criticism doesn't bother him, Pastor Maldonado says F1 crash criticism doesn't bother him He competed in the Italian Formula Renault Championship with Cram Competition, and was classified seventh in the drivers' championship. But he wasnt always bad. WebAt Spa-Francorchamps, Maldonado crashed during the second free practice session; the force of the impact required Maldonado to have a precautionary check-up at the circuit's Maldonado retired from his first race, the Australian Grand Prix, due to transmission problems. was created to track his many mishaps. At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Maldonado ran into the side of Ericsson. Lotus F1 team capable of 'fighting' Ferrari - Pastor Maldonado, SUPER GT Preview Show: What Bertrand Baguette expects to see at the Fuji 450km, IndyCar Barber: McLaughlin beats Grosjean for fourth win, Ferrari's Luck & Sprint Race Success - Azerbaijan GP Review F1 2023, Pastor Maldonado wants an experienced team-mate in F1 in 2016, Pastor Maldonado wants an experienced team-mate in F1 in 2016 British Grand Prix Top 4 Most Expensive European F1 Races, Win Lewis Hamilton Spanish GP Special Edition Cap, Win Lewis Hamilton China GP Special Edition Cap. Yesterday August 21, 2015, Pastor crashes into a barrier by himself alone in Practice 2 of Belgium GP. I'm not as good as Fangio. hasmaldonadocrashedtoday.com 40 points [86] Immediately after the incident, world champion Button took to the radio to say about Maldonado "I should have known, he's mental". [26] It was then reported that Maldonado was close to signing a deal to be test and reserve driver for the Stefan Grand Prix team, which attempted to compete in the 2010 season following the withdrawal of the US F1 Team, which left a theoretical space for another new team. Stay in the know with our newsletters that contain all the latest news, stories and event information. Subscribe. But in the race he scored his first point in Formula One with a tenth-place finish. Pastor Maldonado to stay with Lotus Formula 1 team for 2015, Mercedes F1 move would not cure Lotus issues instantly - Maldonado, Mercedes F1 move would not cure Lotus issues instantly - Maldonado At midseason he had two poles and two podiums. Ex-F1 racer Pastor Maldonado surprised by WEC LMP2 car performance, Ex-F1 driver Pastor Maldonado secures WEC LMP2 seat for 2018/19, Ex-F1 driver Pastor Maldonado secures WEC LMP2 seat for 2018/19 Jumps the start and receives a penalty for doing so. In 66 seasons of the Formula One World Championship, just 95 different drivers have won a grand prix (10 others won the Indianapolis 500 when it counted towards the championship). Maldonado's and Hamiltons spat continued in Belgium, when the Williams man deliberately drove into the Brit after qualifying, and earned himself a five-place grid penalty. He made four starts in the Italian F3000 Championship with Sighinolfi Auto Racing, in which one race win at the Autodromo dell'Umbria was enough to finish ninth overall. Receives a grid penalty for doing so. Its one thing to collide accidentally with a rival, but its another to intentionally crash into them after the heat of the moment has passed. Mercedes energy deployment problem led Speaking with the Telegraph's Daniel Johnson last year, Maldonado said: To find the limit, you need to cross the limit. 2020 M. Schumacher He is a genuine talent who needs time to grow into a front-runner and his current reputation is undeserved. Sometimes you risk and you do mistakes. As he was towed from the track, Jean Ragnotti, driving a demo lap in the safety car, rounded the corner and collided with Inoues car, flipping it. However, he had to miss the final four rounds of the season after breaking a collarbone during training, leaving him outside the championship top 10.[19]. Crashes into the wall by himself in Practice 2. Four podium finishesincluding a win at Spain the final six races saw him rise to fifth place in the drivers' championship by the end of the season. Maldonado was able to continue and finished tenth with a broken front wing; Hamilton retired after he crashed into the tyre wall. During practice for the Chinese Grand Prix in 2014 he also drove off the track while adjusting a setting on his steering wheel. crambno29 R. 19.9K subscribers. 2018 G. Russell, 2019 N. de Vries Pastor Maldonado wants an experienced team-mate in F1 in 2016, Pastor Maldonado expects 'great things' from Renault F1 revival, Pastor Maldonado expects 'great things' from Renault F1 revival 553452, Sign up for event announcements and our weekly newsletter, By clicking submit you are accepting the terms of Goodwoods, Meet the man replacing Ian Callum at Jaguar, The knights of the racetrack aristocracy and royalty in motorsport, Introducing our longterm BMW F900R | GRR Garage, Video: Jaguar built a Hot Wheels track through the FType design studio, Message from The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, To add more children to this reserveration please contact. That reckless attitude continued in Formula One as Maldonado seemingly rammed Lewis Hamilton (Qualifying, Belgium 2011) and Sergio Perez (Practice, Monaco 2012) when he grew frustrated with them. While Maldonado might view his willingness to cross the limit as a strength, top drivers can approach the limit repeatedly without surpassing itthat is the kind of consistency that wins championships. 2009 N. Hlkenberg But it was at Imola that Ide was deemed unsafe to continue in the Championship, after causing a first lap crash with Christijan Albers that sent the Dutchman rolling. 2007 T. Glock [97], Maldonado became a test driver for Pirelli, testing a GP2 car for 2017, to be able to develop the tires of the season. Maldonado's Lotus team described the incident as an "oops", but the stewards considered the incident to be serious so imposed a 5-second penalty on Maldonado. F1 Fanatic's Keith Collantine just published a breakdown of all the penalties handed down in F1 for driving infractions since Maldonado's career began in 2011. With economies crumbling across South America, Maldonado's sponsorthe Venezuelan oil company PDVSAcould not come up with an estimated 35 million to pay for his drive, per the BBC's Andrew Benson. All Crashes of Pastor Maldonado Can you name every driver with whom Maldonado crashed in his 5-year career, when given the race in which the crash occurred? At the end of second qualifying session in Canada, Maldonado crashed into the infamous Wall of Champions at the end of the lap in which he set the quickest sector 1 time, and was on course to bump Jenson Button out of Q3. Top 10 F1 one-hit wonders ranked: Alesi, Maldonado and more, Top 10 F1 one-hit wonders ranked: Alesi, Maldonado and more Pastor Maldonado will lose ten places on the grid at the Italian Grand Prix. Mistakenly lined up in 18th position on the starting grid. Pastor Maldonado is a decent enough driver, but his career has been marred by a series of crashes. Eventually, the team opted for Maldonado. Whilst driving in Formula One, Maldonado gained 4 penalty points in the 2014 season up to the British Grand Prix, only equalled by Jules Bianchi. All we know is hes called the STIG!!! Maldonado held his lead after the third pit-stop phase, and held off Alonso and Kimi Rikknen to win, becoming the first Venezuelan driver to finish on a Grand Prix podium in the process. Di Resta retires. Most Bizarre Pastor Maldonado Crashes in Formula [68] At the Malaysian Grand Prix, Maldonado's car suffered a puncture after he was hit by Valtteri Bottas, and he was later given a 10-second time penalty for speeding behind the safety car. In fact, he did things that almost seemed planned by a Go Orange. In Singapore he qualified second, alongside pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton. His poor end to the season was magnified in Abu Dhabi; where he qualified 17th and started 23rd (after a ten-place grid penalty for using a 9th engine), and served a drive-through, and later a 30-second time penalty after the race, both for ignoring blue flags. "I don't see any concrete opportunity for Formula One this year," his agent, Nicolas Todt, told Reuters' Alan Baldwin. Spins and beaches the car by himself in qualifying. [81][82] Despite the incident Maldonado was ambivalent saying "I don't care" about the damage he had caused to his car. But then again, who cares about 6 digit sums when you bring 8 digit sums in your back pocket. Later in the race was caught speeding under the safety car and received a 10 second penalty. Looking at the average number of penalties received for every 10 races contested, though, Maldonado is fourth, behind last year's Toro Rosso rookies, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen, and new Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez. Please someone put him back in his cage before he really hurts someone and himself. I think I have the big balls to cross the limit every time. Aston Martin seeks permanent F1 DRS solution after lubricant fix in Baku, Pastor Maldonado talking to F1 teams about 2017 return, Pastor Maldonado talking to F1 teams about 2017 return 10K. Things only got worse from then on out, with Maldonado crashing on the last lap of the 2012 season opener, before winning the Spanish Grand Prix, a success overshadowed when he deliberately hit Sergio Perez at Monaco, followed in quick succession by Pedro de la Rosa. The next year came that magical, out-of-nowhere victory in Spain. While not the most prolific crasher to make our list, Yuji Ide is the only entrant to have lost his FIA Super Licence as a result of his poor driving. [37] Maldonado finished the qualifying session 17th and started the race from 22nd position after a five-place grid penalty after he was forced to change his gearbox due to damage suffered in the crash. He became the first Venezuelan to win a Formula One Grand Prix when he won the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix for Williams, from his first and only pole position. [28], Towards the end of the 2010 season, Maldonado was linked to the Williams team for 2011, replacing former GP2 team-mate Nico Hlkenberg alongside Rubens Barrichello. 2 man, Grosjean. Maldonado then passed several drivers including Red Bull's Mark Webber and was running fourth in the closing stages of the race. Crashes into the wall by himself at Turn 3 on lap 28. Kevin Magnussen completes deal to replace Pastor Maldonado. Crashes into the wall at Turn 13 by himself in Practice 2. Maldonado received a five-place grid penalty for his actions and Hamilton a reprimand. What do you think? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 enterF1.com. Collides with Adrian Sutil and damages the car on lap 1. Maldonado had his first tests at the Mugello and Barcelona circuits.[98][99]. [65] At the United States Grand Prix, Maldonado received a penalty for speeding behind the safety car, and another penalty for speeding in the pit lane, but still came home in ninth,[66] registering his first and ultimately, only points-scoring finish of the 2014 season. Luckily, he escaped with just a concussion. i think its a shame that the Venezuelan government keeps spending money on one of the worst if not the worst driver in F-1 !!!! 4 [105], Maldonado married Venezuelan journalist Gabriela Tarkanyi on 15 December 2012, in Canaima, Venezuela. His notable results included three podium finishes and one pole position. He then spun out of a very wet race in Canada. [17] The lost fifteen points would have been enough to move him up from third to first in the standings, ahead of Alx Danielsson and Borja Garca. 2006 L. Hamilton Drivers' permanent numbers and the reasons behind them", "Pastor Maldonado hit with China grid drop and penalty points for Gutierrez crash", "Maldonado takes full blame for practice crash", "Pastor Maldonado still smiling despite latest qualifying nightmare at Spanish GP", "Hamilton beats Rosberg after thrilling finale in Spain", "Maldonado given medical check-up as a precaution after FP2 crash", "Jean-Eric Vergne time penalty for Grosjean clash re-promotes Maldonado to ninth", "Lewis Hamilton wins with ease in Australia as only 11 cars finish", "Penalty points given to Perez, Hulkenberg and Maldonado", "Jenson Button given time penalty and licence points for crash", "Pastor Maldonado claims his 'Crashtor' nickname is 'unlucky' and praises his 'big balls' in Formula One", "As it happened: Sunday Monaco Grand Prix", "No action over first lap crash in F1's British Grand Prix", "F1 mid-season report: From Mercedes to McLaren & Manor", "Nico Rosberg top as Pastor Maldonado crashes", "Lotus: 17G impact triggered Maldonado's Spa retirement", "Maldonado refuses blame for Spa exit - F1 News", "Mark Webber says some drivers on 2015 grid not good enough for F1", "Lotus F1 team confirms Pastor Maldonado for 2016 season", "F1 faces farewell to Crashtor and Prang-ster Pastor Maldonado", "Pastor Maldonado: Why F1 will miss 'Crashtor', "Lotus confirma a Pastor Maldonado para 2016", "Pastor Maldonado anuncia su adis a la Frmula 1", "Renault vuelve a la Frmula 1 con Magnussen y Palmer", "Maldonado comenz las pruebas con los neumticos Pirelli de 2017", "Maldonado ha gi iniziato i test con le Pirelli 2017 su una GP2", "Pastor Maldonado podra llegar a la IndyCar", "Pastor Maldonado correr el WEC con DragonSpeed", "Venezuela F1 driver flies flag for socialist Chavez", "Maldonado backing unaffected by Chavez death", "Pastor Maldonado, Williams with his wife Gabriele Tarkany and their baby daughter Victoria", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pastor_Maldonado&oldid=1152197107, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers, Articles containing potentially dated statements from December 2022, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 April 2023, at 19:51. In his first race he failed to finish, in his second he retired. Collides with Adrian Sutil and damages the car on lap 28.
