Pastor Maldonado overburdened with expectations
Pastor Maldonado became the GP2 champion this year and was praised by many critics. The Venezuelan driver signed with Williams alongside Rubens Barrichello as a replacement for Nico Hulkenberg.
Nico Hulkenberg drove with the team for a single year but managed to prove that he has what it takes to challenge the top running drivers as he took the pole position in a mid-running Williams at the Brazilian Grand Prix. On top of that, he took the pole
position in dry conditions which is a huge accomplishment as all the teams set their cars for normal conditions, performing at their best.
After such an amazing performance, it is not going to be easy for Pastor Maldonado to top the young German driver’s performance and as a result, everyone is expecting a lot from him. The team along with his country are trying to back him as much as they
can in order to enable and encourage the young Venezuelan before the 2011 Formula 1 season begins.
The Venezuelan President also backed the GP2 champion recently and stated that his country is expecting a lot from him. Many critics pointed fingers at Williams’ decision and many former drivers did not like the fact that Williams chose “money over talent.”
They believe that Nico should have been given another chance in the team instead of employing another rookie driver who would take a year to settle in the sport.
This way, Williams will never be able to rise once again and improve. Pastor brought a major sponsor from PDVSA to the team. Without a doubt, he is a great driver but Nico is more experienced and he even proved himself in just a single year. Although he
wasn’t as consistent as he should have been, but it is not easy to give a groundbreaking performance race after race.
“We are supporting Pastor Maldonado and his team through Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA),” President Hugo Chavez told the media.
Maldonado thanked his fans, country and friends for their support which eventually earned him a spot in Formula 1.
“I will be looking to get some good results in return for the support my country has given me to help get me to this position today,” said Maldonado.
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