Former Williams and Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado has rejected comparisons some have made between himself and Max Verstappen in recent weeks.
The Venezuelan is something of a cult favourite among many with his reputation for being involved in incidents with other drivers, something the Red Bull driver has done himself in each of the last three races.
Making his return to racing this past weekend in the LMP2 category with DragonSpeed at the Spa 6 Hours in the WEC, the former Spanish Grand Prix winner supported the 20-year-old.
“Max is a fantastic driver, but he is still very young and so it’s normal that he’s still making mistakes,” Maldonado was quoted PlanetF1.
“He needs to accumulate experience, but comparing him with me is inappropriate.”
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Many were disappointed when Pastor left F1 after 2015, following the drying up of sponsorship from South American oil company PDVSA, and often call for his return usually when a team needing funds also needs a driver.
However, the man himself explained the situation is now very different.
“I do not have any sponsors or financial support from my country as was the case before,” said Maldonado. “The situation of my countrymen is difficult, but given the climate in Venezuela, it can only get better.”