- 30 Jul 12, 21:55#314496Ok, I'll have a go at, well, not quite defending Maldonado, but more explaining my thoughts in brief.
I like Maldonado, I think he is clearly very quick, and has the potential to win races when at the front as demonstrated in Barcelona. His problem is in his aggression clearly, as combined with a lack of patience it is a recipe for disaster in open wheel racing. Now if his driving matures a little (lets not forget it is still only his 2nd season in F1!), and he actually learns from his mistakes this season, as well as brushing up on the rules a little, he could still yet be a big success in the long term.
I'd make it clear that I think that he's been at fault for pretty much every one of the incidents he's been involved in, but these things do happen.
On the other hand, if he can't tame the impatience and aggression or find a balance, then I don't necessarily think that his racing technique is a bad thing - it's just not a suitable combination for open wheel racing. Instead, I'd love to see him move on to a series such as DTM or other touring car series, or NASCAR. In those environments his skillset could see him right at the sharp end. Others may see this as a step down, however I watch those other series too, and have never seen it that way.
I think that about sums up my thinking on Maldonado at the moment.
Favourite racing series: F1, Indycar, NASCAR, GP2, F3, Formula E, Trophee Andros, DTM, WTCC, BTCC, World Endurance... etc. etc.