Lotus F1 Team CEO Matthew Carter insists driver Pastor Maldonado is “not untouchable” despite bringing significant sponsorship money to the Enstone-based outfit.
The Venezuelan racer has been backed by the state-owned PDVSA company since the start of his F1 career in 2011. Maldonado initially spent three seasons at Williams before switching to Lotus last year with the oil giant following suit.
After six races, the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner is yet to score a point in 2015, while team-mate Romain Grosjean has already finished inside the top-ten on three consecutive races.
“(Pastor) is not untouchable,” Carter told British broadcaster Sky Sports.
“He has to prove himself, he has to prove himself as a racing driver - and from our side, he is doing that. He out-qualified Romain [Grosjean] in Monaco and you don't do that around Monaco unless you are a good driver.”
Although Maldonado has been involved in a spate of on-track incidents, some clashes happened through no fault of his own. For instance, Grosjean damaged his E23’s rear wing in Barcelona and forced the 2010 GP2 Series champion into retirement while he was on course to secure his maiden points of the season.
Carter thinks all Maldonado needs to deliver is enjoying a consistent and smooth three-day event, and is confident this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix will provide the 30-year-old with such opportunity.
“He has been quick in all the races so far at different points, he has just got to string a good weekend together.
“Confidence builds and if he strings one weekend together, then it will follow and there is every chance he can do it in Canada. Canada should be very well suited to the car.”
Click here for a look back at Robert Kubica's only Formula One victory in Canada
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
