F1 driver was banned for life at Monaco Grand Prix after hitting a steward | F1 | Sport

A driver who hit a steward at a race in Monaco was banned for life in 2005. Pastor Maldonado was racing in the Renault World Series 19 years ago, but ignored yellow flags before striking and severely injuring a marshal.

The race organisers understandably didn’t take the incident lightly and responded by issuing a strict punishment. They decided that Maldonado would not be able to race on the street circuit ever again.

Speaking at the time, the youngster said: “I feel very bad. Gilles, the marshal I hit, could have been even more injured through my mistake. Yes, I’m going through very difficult times, but a penalty under such circumstances is justified,” he said.

“The yellow flags were out, but I only saw them very late and could not avoid one of the marshals. I hope very much that he will recover quickly and will be able to marshal again. The job the marshals do is fantastic – they put themselves at risk to keep us safe.

“I will be training hard to stay in shape and will be back in competition at Donington having learned the lesson of what happened in Monaco. Being a responsible driver is part of what I am learning.”

It sparked a back-and-forth between Maldonado’s representatives, particularly his wealthy father, and the organisers. Maldonado’s father had promised to pay for the stewards’ surgery and rehabilitation from a broken back.

It worked a treat, but not only that, it saved the Venezuelan’s racing career, as no Formula One team would hire a driver banned from the world’s most famous circuit. Maldonado eventually got called up to the big leagues in 2011, when he was given a seat in the Williams car for the Formula One season.

Ironically, his record in Monaco was horrendous for his time as a driver, with an 18th finish in his first race proving the best outing for Maldonado. In the four years following, he notched up three retirements and one DNF on the streets of Monte Carlo.

Speaking ahead of the 2012 edition, he’d said: “My country will be following every second of the next race. I love street circuits, this one in particular. My style of driving fits perfectly with Monaco. I am ready to get another great result.”