X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

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. 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Piastri eyes Shanghai win on Sunday with clean air edge

Oscar Piastri hopes a strong get-away at the start of Sunday’s race in Shanghai will…

38 mins ago

Chinese GP: Piastri leads the field with maiden F1 pole

Oscar Piastri turned Shanghai into his own stage, clinching his maiden Formula 1 pole position…

2 hours ago

Chinese Grand Prix - Qualifying results

Full results from qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai, round 2 of the…

2 hours ago

Leclerc vows to bounce back after Sprint slump

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has openly admitted that his performance was below par during Saturday’s Sprint…

4 hours ago

Norris’ rough Sprint: Error and tyre woes lead to ‘worst nightmare’

Lando Norris’ Formula 1 championship lead took a bruising in Saturday’s Chinese Grand Prix Sprint…

5 hours ago

Verstappen laments pace deficit in Chinese Sprint P3 finish

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen conceded that Red Bull's RB21 car is lacking pace this…

5 hours ago