Lotus trackside operations director Alan Permane reveals that Pastor Maldonado’s early retirement during the Belgian Grand Prix was “self-inflicted”.
Lining up seventh at Spa, the Venezuelan’s race only lasted for a couple of laps before his Mercedes-engined E23 Hybrid slowed down on Kemmel Straight with a loss of power. This was the seventh time in 11 grands prix that Maldonado failed to reach the chequered flag this year.
The incident capped another tough weekend, which saw the former GP2 Series champion also suffer a “very unlucky” crash in FP1.
“Maldonado's retirement was self-inflicted,” said Permane. “He had a huge off at Eau Rouge, which damaged the clutch-control system.
“The valves were damaged and that locked his clutch out. That's why he couldn't get back.”
Maldonado’s misery was further compounded by team-mate Romain Grosjean’s stellar drive at Spa-Francorchamps, with the Frenchman securing his and Lotus’ first podium since the 2013 US Grand Prix.
After a dismal 2014 campaign for Enstone and persistent problems off track – the latest being a legal dispute with ex-reserve Charles Pic that led to bailiffs moving in last Sunday – Permane was naturally keen to hail Grosjean’s achievement.
“He was faultless. “We had a trying year last year, but if you look back at his performances in 2013, he did this race in, race out.
“He drove exceptionally well and didn't really put a foot wrong all weekend. It was a brilliant qualifying and a brilliant race.”
Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
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