The 2010 GP2 Series title was secured by Pastor Maldonado at the Monza circuit, serving as the definitive milestone in a career defined by rapid progression through the junior racing ranks. Born in Maracay, Venezuela, in 1985, he transitioned from childhood BMX competition to a decade of diverse international motorsport participation, eventually reaching the highest levels of global racing.
Early Development and Junior Categories
Maldonado began competitive motor racing after being introduced to karts at the Kartódromo Carmencita Hernández in 1992. By 2003, he entered the Italian Formula Renault Championship with Cram Competition. His 2004 season saw him secure the Italian Formula Renault title with eight victories. Following a transition to Italian F3000 and the World Series by Renault in 2005, he achieved a third-place finish in the 2006 Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Draco Racing, a campaign that included three wins and five pole positions.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →GP2 Series Progression
Entering the GP2 Series in 2007, Maldonado achieved his first victory at Monaco before a collarbone injury curtailed his season. He continued with Piquet Sports in 2008, where he secured a win at Spa-Francorchamps and finished fifth in the overall standings. After a 2009 season with ART Grand Prix, he joined the Rapax Team for 2010. During this campaign, he established a series record by winning six consecutive feature races, ultimately claiming the championship ahead of Sergio Pérez.
Formula One and Endurance Racing
Maldonado competed in Formula One from 2011 to 2015, driving for Williams and Lotus. After concluding his tenure in Formula One, he transitioned to endurance racing, participating in the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship with DragonSpeed. He finished third in the LMP2 class and subsequently achieved a class victory at the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Maracay, Venezuela
- 2010 GP2 Series Champion
- Formula One career: 2011–2015
- Teams: Williams, Lotus, Rapax, Cram Competition
- 2019 24 Hours of Daytona class winner
Questions readers ask
Which major series title did Pastor Maldonado win?
He won the 2010 GP2 Series championship while driving for the Rapax Team.
What endurance racing success did he achieve after Formula One?
He achieved a class win at the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona and finished third in the LMP2 class of the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Achievements
- Represented Williams Racing, Renault F1 Team and Lotus F1
- Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Discipline: auto racing
