F1's silly season is in full swing as Mexican Sergio Perez and Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado are kicked out of their seats at Williams and McLaren. Maldonado who signed for Williams in 2011 has had an up and down time in F1 mainly focused on the downs. He has taken 1 pole (As of mitigating circumstances involving Lewis Hamilton) and 1 race victory (Spain 2012). But Maldonado has had a lot of accidents and incidents in his short career: Monaco 2011 - contact with Lewis Hamilton, Belgium 2011 - (Qualifying) took a swipe at Lewis Hamilton, Monaco 2012 - (FP3) took a swipe at Sergio Perez, Monaco 2012 - ran into the back of Pedro de la Rosa, Canada 2012 - (Qualifying)hit the wall of champions Europe 2012 - contact with Lewis Hamilton, Britain 2012 - contact with Sergio Perez, Hungary 2012 - contact with Paul di Resta, Belgium 2012 - Jump Start, Belgium 2012 - contact with Timo Glock, Monaco 2013 - contact with Max Chilton, Belgium 2013 -contact with Paul di Resta, Japan 2013 - nearly caused a collision with team mate Valteri Bottas on the final lap (over 15th place). It is because of these incidents that Maldonado has been dropped, as well as a break down in communication with the team after the incident with Bottas in Japan. Maldonado brings major sponsorship with him in the form of Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, so expect him to still be in F1 next year as the money is an asset for any team. the contract with PDVSA and Williams has also been terminated with Maldonado's departure.
Sergio Perez has had a pretty awful season in 2013. after an amazing season in 2012 where he scored 3 podiums, the most famous one being in Malaysia where he very nearly won until a mistake handed Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) victory. Then after an awesome drive at Monza he was given a seat at McLaren in 2013 after Lewis Hamilton departed to Mercedes. but the season hasn't gone to plan for the Mexican or McLaren. After building a brand new car with a brand new design they find them selves barely scraping Q3 let alone race wins. The team hasn't scored a podium all season and do not look likely to do so. but after a disappointing season Perez has been given a premature end at McLaren, which has shocked many as Perez should have been given another chance in a more competitive car as he has already shown that he has the talent. Dane Kevin Magnussen is the favorite to take the McLaren seat, but Hukenberg, Di Resta and Maldonado are also linked with the seat. As for Perez he ill have to look at Sauber, Force India, Caterham and Marussia for a 2014 drive.