Is the sensational victory of a Formula One midfielder a scam? There are two conspiracy theories at once
Ten years ago Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado was the subject of one of the most sensational stories of all time in Formula 1 racing. At the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona in May 2012, he won a victory that was not just sensational, but mega-sensational. This unexpected success has spawned several conspiracy theories, such as Bernie Ecclestone’s shadowy involvement in the story, as well as Pirelli’s use of different tyre specifications than those advertised.
The fact is that by 2012 the Williams team was in the status of the average Formula 1. Its best times, like Jacques Villeneuve’s resounding victories in 1997, were behind it. And by 2012 the team had the “in an asset” eight-year period, during which she could not boast a single major success. The 2011 season was a failure: the team scored only 5 points in 19 races out of a possible 25.
So nothing foretold a sensation. The more so, since Maldonado with his 13th place in the overall standings was not seen as a favourite. Williams’ best result at the time was 5th place for debutant driver Bottas in the free races.
But suddenly Maldonado, also in the free races, finished second unexpectedly. And in the final part he became the leader of the competition, as the Briton Lewis Hamilton was unable to drive himself into the box after the race, which, according to the rules, deprived him of first place. And then Pastor Maldonado was able to hold on to this unexpected lead, only briefly losing it to Alonso in the early stages.
This success of the Venezuelan was a real shock to the experts and connoisseurs. Maldonado’s surprise victory could not be explained by weather conditions or favourable coincidence, as some other sensational F1 victories have been explained. Therefore, there were several blatantly conspiracy explanations for this sensational success. In particular, it was said that Bernie Ecclestone decided to give the founder and head of the legendary team Frank Williams a gift on his 70th birthday. The head of the Formula 1 simply “did not notice”, that the technical characteristics of the car, on which performed Maldonado, significantly exceeded allowed by the regulations of the competitions. It was also said that Pirelli had allegedly provided Williams with “non-regulated” tyres as well. The conspiracy theorists were also won over by the massive fire that broke out in Williams’ paddock shortly after the race. There was talk of deliberate arson to cover up the evidence. But famous car expert Alex Wurz, who advised Williams in 2012, considers all conspiracy explanations of Maldonado’s victory a complete fabrication.
Wurz believes that a new method of heating the front wheels, developed shortly before the race, which helped Williams to take a sensational victory. The renowned Austrian claims that there have been no breaches of regulations by Williams during those races.
In addition, analyzing the season 2012 experts note that Pastor Maldonado still consistently went to success in Barcelona. The racer performed very successfully, and only some lack of luck and lack of experience did not allow him to climb to the top of the podium. And in Barcelona, as they say, the puzzle came together.
