8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

Pastor Maldonado has confirmed he will not be racing in F1 this season, so what could be next for the Venezuelan?
8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

On Monday Pastor Maldonado announced his departure from the Renault F1 team, and said he would not be on the grid in 2016. While he was quick when everything was going right, he picked up a reputation for having an erratic driving style. So with Maldonado being replaced by Kevin Magnussen, I started to think about his options for the future.

1. Cause mayhem in IndyCar

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

The IndyCar series is the premier single-seater series in the USA and is a viable option for those who find themselves without a F1 seat. Ex-Marussia driver Max Chilton has joined the grid with Chip Ganassi and former podium finisher Takuma Sato has settled in well.

A move to IndyCar typically requires less budget, which would be a help with PDVSA’s problems, and there are still a couple of spots available for 2016 (although it is unlikely this season). The racing is good, there are some big names involved and Maldonado would certainly add some more unpredictability to the series!

2. Start a driving school

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

We all know just how quick Maldonado can be on a good day but sadly we rarely saw that speed. Perhaps returning to Venezuela and starting his own driving school, teaching others, would be a good next step? We all know just how consistent he can be…

3. Spark chaos in Nascar

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

Nascar is already a pretty bonkers racing series, imagine what would happen if Maldonado joined the grid? That would be quite something and he would fit in there pretty well. Plus, hasmaldonadocrashedtoday.com would find a new lease of life.

4. Set up a car repair shop

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

He’s had to watch his Lotus (now Renault) team fit his car back together so many times, you’d think he’d have learned a few things about repairing cars. Plus, if he does this alongside the driving school, Maldonado could have plenty of work to be getting on with.

5. Find some more $$

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

If he wants to get back on the F1 grid, he will probably need to find new financial backing, as PDVSA has hit problems with corruption and drops in oil prices. He’ll be eager to return to the sport if possible and bringing in a new sponsor would be a good step towards that for 2017 and beyond.

6. Rub bodywork in touring cars

8 Things Maldonado Can Do Now He's Left F1

The wheel-rubbing, full-contact world of touring cars seems to be the perfect spot for Maldonado. It could be WTCC, Brazilian Stock Cars (where other ex-F1 drivers have raced in) or DTM. Who knows? But it would certainly suit his aggressive driving style.

7. Sample the other side

Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas
Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas

He’s caused enough F1 safety car periods, maybe it might be fun to switch to the other side and drive the Mercedes-AMG GT?

8. Take a break

Image source: Lotus F1 Team
Image source: Lotus F1 Team

Maldonado has a young family, he is genuinely a nice guy and now he has some spare time on his hands. A very likely option is that he’ll take a break from motorsport and spend some time back home.

While we may make fun of Maldonado, he’ll be missed from the F1 grid this year and we wish him all the best for the future!

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Comments

Disklok

9.Purchase a bunch of Diskloks, put them on all cars he has access to and throw away the keys to prevent crashing :D

02/03/2016 - 10:32 |
117 | 1

advertising champions right here!

02/03/2016 - 10:33 |
28 | 0
Nissan 420sx

I have a nice Job for him!

02/03/2016 - 10:32 |
86 | 0

Sir, I salute you

02/03/2016 - 10:58 |
5 | 0

Haha

02/03/2016 - 11:12 |
0 | 0
SeriousSam

He should go to stockcar racing

02/03/2016 - 10:42 |
0 | 0

NASCAR and IndyCar

02/03/2016 - 12:11 |
0 | 0
Jasper Schermer

He should race in demolition derby’s.. he is a champion then

02/03/2016 - 11:04 |
10 | 0
H5SKB4RU (Returned to CT)

Demo derby anyone?

02/03/2016 - 11:10 |
2 | 0
Raprada

Maldonado for Aussie V8 Supercar anyone?

02/03/2016 - 12:00 |
16 | 0
Fad Hill

Maldonado driving a safety car sounds dangerous. He’ll be to ram other drivers for the fun of it.

02/03/2016 - 12:16 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

He could start up his own business

02/03/2016 - 13:15 |
28 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Haha, I just made a similar post to this then noticed you beat me to it!

02/03/2016 - 13:29 |
0 | 0