Maldonado insists his Lotus future is secure

Pastor Maldonado insists his Formula 1 future with Lotus is secure for now, because he has a contract with the team until the end of 2016.

The damaged Lotus F1 E23 of Pastor Maldonado, Lotus F1 Team, who crashed in the first practice session

The Venezuelan has had a frustrating campaign so far and, amid a potential buyout of his Enstone-based outfit by Renault, his place has been subject to doubt.

But speaking ahead of the Spa weekend, Maldonado made clear that he already had a deal in place for next year – although was well aware that circumstances could still change.

"I have a deal until the end of next season," he said. "At the moment it is all looking fine, but for sure you never know in F1."

Renault no impact

Renault chiefs are evaluating a takeover of Lotus so they can resurrect a works outfit for the French car manufacturer in 2017.

A decision on the matter is expected next month, and it is possible plans for the team could accelerate so it comes in to play as early as 2016.

Maldonado was adamant that whatever Renault decided to do would not make a difference to his own future.

"I think it will not affect anything in my situation," he said. "I just wish the best for the team, because at the moment the team is living a difficult time.

"It is a great team, they are very professional and passionate about racing. Even at this time, we race all together, all doing our best and fighting until the last lap.

"We are not happy where we are at the moment and we think there is something else to find in the track and outside the track. We are always trying to do our best."

Grosjean targets new deal

Maldonado's teammate Romain Grosjean does not yet have his future sorted, but has his sights set on playing in role if Renault does takeover.

"I am not hiding the fact that if Renault buys the team, it will be really good to be a French driver in a French team," he said.

"That will be good, and I think the team knows that they can produce a good car. So we will see."

Speaking about Renault putting back the decision on its future until next month, Grosjean added: "French people are not always on time…

"I don't know much to be fair. I know there are talks and good discussions but I am not the one signing the paper. I probably know the same as you, maybe a little bit more, but probably not much more."