F1: Maldonado wants experienced teammate

Pastor Maldonado would like an experienced teammate to replace Haas-bound Romain Grosjean alongside him next season in Formula 1.

The Lotus team is expected to be taken over by Renault in a deal that would secure its future, with Maldonado already confirmed for 2016. Reserve Jolyon Palmer, Jean-Eric Vergne and Kevin Magnussen are some of the drivers who have been linked with the team following Grosjean's departure to the new Haas squad.

"I hope to have a good teammate who wants to work together as is the team philosophy," said Maldonado. "If Renault is coming, we will not start from zero but nearly [zero], so we will need a good atmosphere and a good, competitive driver who will help push the team hard to reach a good level quickly. I would prefer someone with experience, definitely."

Speculation surrounding Maldonado's future was ended in Singapore when the team confirmed he would stay on for 2016. The Venezuelan, whose sponsor PDVSA brings $50 million of financial backing, said he did assess his options elsewhere but ultimately decided to stay put.

"I stay here in Formula 1," said Maldonado. "It's not the time to go to America yet. Maybe I can have success in America but for the moment I really enjoy being in F1. There is still a lot to do for me and I deserve the chance to show my real potential.

"At the moment the main goal is to continue with my contract and to hopefully have better facilities to be more competitive. I look around [for other opportunities], but nothing very big."

Originally on Autosport.com