Increasingly, Pastor Maldonado looks to be the key to the 2014 driver market, as he insists that he will ultimately decide who he drives for.

While it was initially thought the Venezuelan would remain with Williams, he is now being linked to a number of teams including Lotus.

At a time when many thought Nico Hulkenberg would join Romain Grosjean at the Enstone squad, it appears that Maldonado could surprise everyone. However, wherever he goes, the 28-year-old, will be the one that decides.

"The decision will be down to me. So I prefer to take some more time," he told reporters in Abu Dhabi. "I really hope to have the decision before the end of the season, still a couple of weeks to go so we'll see.

"I cannot guarantee I will leave the team or I will stay," he replied, when asked about Williams. "Mercedes look quite strong so for sure I'm taking that into consideration," he added, referring to the Grove outfit's new engine supplier.

Asked whether Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, currently Williams biggest sponsor, would follow him should he leave, he said: "I hope if I move they come with me but I cannot guarantee that."

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