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

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

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

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

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 $$

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

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

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

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!