F1: Maldonado pips Hulkenburg to Lotus drive

Williams driver Pastor Maldonado has been confirmed as a driver for the Lotus F1 Team for the 2014 season. He will drive alongside current Lotus driver, Frenchman Romain Grosjean, next year. When asked about his move to the Enstone based squad, Pastor replied “It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014. It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula One career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season.” Nico Hulkenburg was tipped by many in the paddock to replace the Ferrari-bound Raikkonen, but the lack of sponsorship money may have been a factor in deciding his drive for next year, for Lotus needs the cash to pay for their debts they have incurred this season. Hulkenburg has been snapped up by his former team Force India, and they currently don’t have a second driver. Pictures used for illustration purposes only.