Lotus confirms Pastor Maldonado for 2016

Maldonado joined Lotus at the start of 2014 on a multi-year deal, but his position had been uncertain as Renault closes in on a takeover deal. However, Lotus has now confirmed Maldonado will remain with the team next season, and team principal Gerard Lopez says he has full faith in the Venezuelan.

“It’s a positive for the future of Lotus F1 Team that we are able to confirm publically that Pastor remains with us for next season," Lopez said. "Everyone at Enstone will testify that Pastor is a terrific person to work with and we all know the performances he is capable of on track.

"Pastor joined us with a multi-year deal so this confirmation is a reiteration of our belief in him. We hope to be able to make further positive announcements regarding the team in the near future.”

While Maldonado's future is confirmed, F1i has learned Romain Grosjean will leave Lotus for Haas at the end of the season.