It has emerged that Pastor Maldonado, who is frustrated with the performance of his Williams team, might leave the team at the end of the 2013 season.

If Maldonado leaves he would take with him a massive chunk of sponsorship money from Venezuelan oil giant, PDVSA, which is reportedly valued at 35 million Euros a year. According to sources, PDVSA, who are under contract for two more years at Williams, are in talks with Williams deputy team boss, Claire Williams to discuss and exit deal to buy its way out of the contract.

According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, Maldonado is keen to make a move to Lotus next year. If PDVSA get out of their Williams contract, he could bring with him a very large cash injection that is so desperately needed at the Enstone based team.

Of course, all of this is just rumour and speculation at this point. Although the F1 silly season does tend to spring a few surprises at times.