Renault: Magnussen could replace Maldonado
Possibly losing the support of his wealthy Venezuelan sponsor, Pastor Maldonado could be replaced by Kevin Magnussen in the new Renault team, formerly Lotus, starting from 2016.
Who will be alongside Jolyon Palmer in the seat of the Renault single-seater in 2016? Even though the Briton’s position is not threatened, Pastor Maldonado’s, despite being confirmed in his role for the upcoming season, remains uncertain.
Indeed, the problem arises for the Venezuelan in terms of his sponsor, the state oil company PDVSA. In a changing political context, it no longer seems to have the will and funding necessary to ensure Maldonado’s presence in Formula 1.
Furthermore, Renault is negotiating numerous sponsorship contracts and would not necessarily want a significant presence of the PDVSA logo on the new livery of its future single-seater, which is expected to be unveiled next February, as the manufacturer has an important partnership contract with Total.
If all these questions and areas of uncertainty point towards PDVSA withdrawing its sponsorship, Maldonado might then be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere. In the event of his departure, there are rumors that Renault has already taken steps and has advanced contacts with Kevin Magnussen to drive a car for the diamond brand in 2016.
The young Danish driver, trained by McLaren, was dropped by the same team at the end of last year, as his future was blocked by the renewal of the two main drivers, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, and the emergence of a new hopeful, the Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne.
Magnussen has never hidden his desire to continue his career in Formula 1, and he was at one time on the list of candidates for a seat with Manor for 2016. His career could therefore potentially bounce back with Renault in the end.
