Lotus-Renault, Maldonado says goodbye: "I thank everyone, I won't be on the grid in 2016"

It's the same Pastor Maldonado to greet F1 from his Twitter profile, with the publication of a statement in which he thanked the fans, his family and his country.

The Venezuelan driver thus made his "goodbye" to the top category official, demonstrating however that he was proud of what he had achieved in his career and of having managed to climb to the top of motor racing, underlining that he was still a winning driver who he defended with pride and sense belonging to the flag of his country.

“My dear fans, I am writing to you and addressing you with great respect - it reads in the text -  As is now known, rumors have been swirling about my future in Formula 1 for a few days. I have now spent 23 years in racing, I started as a child with my family, I grew up to become a professional, I have tasted the triumph, that taste that always pushes you to fight. When I was just a teenager I went to other countries, far from my loved ones, without the warmth of my people, to become a professional. I fought against adversity, I raced and won in karting, in Formula Renault, in the World Series, in GP2. I got used to winning, I collected more than 200 trophies, of all sizes, shapes and splendors. Then came the fulfillment of the dream, F1, the category that also gave me the greatest joy, the victory in the Spanish GP in 2012. All this happened thanks to the continuous support of my family, of you fans, and above all of my great country, with which I have traveled the world and whose flag I have carried not only in my car but in my heart, in my soul, up to the top step of the podium. Today I humbly inform you that next year I will not be part of the Formula 1 grid. Thank you all for the messages of support, full of passion. I am honored by your support and proud of what we have done over the years. I thank God, my family, my friends, the sponsors, and all those who allowed me to represent Venezuela at the top of motorsport. See you soon".

Communication

Read: https://t.co/Tv1m0MeJXD

— Pastor Maldonado (@Pastormaldo) February 1 2016

Pastor Maldonado's job at Renault will be inherited by Kevin Magnussen. The Dane should be officially announced on Wednesday, but everything is done now. English sources report that Magnussen has been to Enstone several times in recent days and has already made his seat.

Antonino Rendina

Follow @antorendina