In news that will split fans of Formula One, it has been revealed today that Pastor “Crash-tor” Maldonado may well be on the verge of being kicked out of his drive at Renault for the 2016 season.
The Venezuelan driver’s sponsor, PDVSA (a South American oil company), is said to be late on their payment of £35m to the Renault team by several weeks – meaning that Maldonado could be booted out by the team before the season commences.
Jolyon Palmer was promoted from reserve driver to first choice when Romain Grosjean left the unit at the end of the 2015 season for Haas F1 – and it is now being reported that former McLaren man, Kevin Magnussen, could be the man to replace Maldonado.
The Dane is currently a free agent, having been released by the British constructor last year on his birthday.
A Renault spokesman said: “It’s speculation at the moment. We have a contract with Pastor. That is the current situation.
“Who knows what could happen by Australia but, at the moment, we are going forward with Pastor and Jolyon.”
