Maldonado: Tuning in to the talent
Pastor Maldonado has become Formula 1's bad boy in recent races. But, as Edd Straw discovers, there's far more to Williams' Venezuelan charge than history might suggest
Has any driver in Formula 1 history gone from zero to hero to zero as quickly as Pastor Maldonado? Since that incredible Spanish Grand Prix victory on May 13, he hasn't scored a point in six races and has built up an alarming rap sheet. After a clash with Sergio Perez in last month's British Grand Prix, which led to Maldonado being fined, the Mexican used phrases such as "idiot", "no respect" and "dangerous" to describe the Venezuelan.
Perez isn't the only one to use such terminology, and even Maldonado's day of days has been written off in some quarters as some outrageous piece of good fortune. But to do that is to miss the point. Maldonado's drive in Spain was exquisite, showing off the streak of brilliance in his driving.
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