I know this is kinda of old news but I wanted to post this in case not everyone has seen it. I personally hope that Williams can find a way to stay independent or at least keep their doors open beyond having to accept pay-to-drive racers.

Maldonado won the GP2 championship last year but it seems a little daunting that the Williams team is now somewhat tethered to the Venezuelan government. I hope the money allows Williams to return to a competitive state - would be sad to see them wither away given their long history in the sport.

Hugo Chavez Now Has An F1 Team

Williams strikes deal with Venezuela oil company PDVSA | Williams | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1


Williams has followed up its signing of driver Pastor Maldonado with a long-term sponsorship deal with Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Venezuelan driver Maldonado took the GP2 title last term and will drive alongside veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello in 2011. And the cars will carry the livery of the world's fifth largest oil exporter.

The country's president Hugo Chavez announced the deal in Caracas and team owner Frank Williams feels it will make a huge difference to their competitiveness following the loss of a number of sponsors at the end of the 2010 season.

"They are a substantial partner and can make a meaningful difference to our fighting ability," Williams said in a statement.

PDVSA's head of corporate affairs Julio Gonzalez added: "Pastor will fly our flag this year and carry the hopes of an entire country in this new chapter of his career."

Williams finished sixth behind the dominant Red Bull outfit in last year's Constructors' Championship.

 

I whole-heartedly agree with you.

But I honestly do not think that Maldonado will last that long.

In the end, F1 is about winning. He won't win.

 

It's sad to say that he'll most likely end up sacked like Hulkenberg. But with Hulkenberg you had natural talent.

 

Agreed with the both of you