UNDERDOG TALES: When Maldonado took Williams back to the top on a remarkable day in the Spanish sun


Just over a decade ago, Pastor Maldonado delivered one of the greatest underdog victories in F1 history as he hauled his Williams to pole position and victory – via a scrap with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso – at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix. We sat down with the Venezuelan to remember a special performance that marked the first F1 triumph for his country – and remains the most recent win for the famous British team...
Pastor Maldonado’s promotion to F1 in 2011 made plenty of headlines across the media. Despite winning races in Formula Renault, Euroseries 3000, Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2, where he beat Sergio Perez to the title, many focused on the financial backing the Venezuelan brought to Williams, who had freed up a space by parting ways with Nico Hulkenberg at the end of a promising rookie season.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
Verstappen knows he ‘needs to be perfect’ to win title
F1 FantasyWhat's the best F1 Fantasy line-up for Mexico?
AS IT HAPPENED: Build-up to the Mexico City GP
Paddock InsiderWhy it’s game on for Verstappen in his title charge
Inside Sergio Perez’s homecoming at the Mexico City GP
What time is the 2025 Mexico City GP and how can I watch it?