UNDERDOG TALES: When Maldonado took Williams back to the top on a remarkable day in the Spanish sun

Staff Writer

Mike Seymour
Share
maldonado-underdog-tales.png

Just over a decade ago, Pastor Maldonado delivered one of the greatest underdog victories in F1 history as he hauled his Williams to pole position and victory – via a scrap with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso – at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix. We sat down with the Venezuelan to remember a special performance that marked the first F1 triumph for his country – and remains the most recent win for the famous British team...

Pastor Maldonado’s promotion to F1 in 2011 made plenty of headlines across the media. Despite winning races in Formula Renault, Euroseries 3000, Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2, where he beat Sergio Perez to the title, many focused on the financial backing the Venezuelan brought to Williams, who had freed up a space by parting ways with Nico Hulkenberg at the end of a promising rookie season.

UNDERDOG TALES: When Senna took the F1 paddock by storm with Toleman and made Monaco’s streets his own

Unlock this exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked (It's FREE!)

Membership gets you closer with:

  • Exclusive, specially curated insider content
  • Live the F1 life: Exclusive access & VIP experiences
  • Exclusive member benefits, rewards & offers
Explore F1 Unlocked

Already have an account?

Sign In

Loading...

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coming Up

Coming Up

FeatureF1 Unlocked

IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix