Former Williams F1 driver Pastor Maldonado will drive alongside Romain Grosjean for Lotus F1 in 2014.

Maldonado has been working on a deal with the Enstone based team since announcing his departure from Williams, and has been very bullish about his chances at Lotus. On Friday 29 November, the announcement was made that Maldonado will join Lotus for the 2014 season.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014. It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season,” said Maldonado.

It was no secret that money was tight at Lotus and although preferring Nico Hulkenberg, they decided to go with Maldonado who comes a substantial amount of cash which will be very welcome at Lotus.

Team Principal for Lotus, Eric Boullier seems confident that Maldonado will be able to deliver the results for Lotus in 2014. “It is clear that Pastor has pace and potential – demonstrated by his 2010 GP2 Series title success and then through strong races throughout his career at Williams F1 Team – and we are convinced that we will be able to provide the correct environment to enable him to flourish regularly on track,” said Boullier.

On the same day, Lotus also confirmed that Romain Grosjean will be retained for another season. Grosjean has been very impressive with his performances this season and has really stepped up his game after Kimi Raikkonen announced that he will leave Lotus at the end of the season for Ferrari.

“I am very happy to have official confirmation that I will be continuing to drive for Lotus F1 Team next season. This past year has been tremendously satisfying for me. We have worked well together, and I know everyone at Enstone is motivated to continue the fight for every last point available,” said Grosjean

With the two Lotus seats off the market. the focus turns to Force India and Sauber. Word going around is that Nico Hulkenberg will return to Force India taking the place of Paul Di Resta and Sergio Perez will take Adrian Sutil’s seat. Di Resta is rumored to make a move to Indy Car next season. Adrian Sutil on the other hand will move over to Sauber with the little backing that he has and it is believed that they will retain Esteban Gutierrez.

Although not yet confirmed by Sauber, Force India, or any of the drivers, we believe that is how things will play out. But this is the formula 1 silly season. Crazier things have, and can happen.