Caterham's Marcus Ericsson wary of "crazy" Pastor Maldonado

Caterham Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson has admitted that he is already eyeing up one of his rivals Pastor Maldonado ahead of the new season.

The 23-year-old will make his F1 debut this year after signing for the team alongside Kamui Kobayashi last month.

"Maldonado's got a reputation for being a bit crazy," Ericsson told Euro Sport Sweden. "You always have an eye on what you are competing against.

"It is a balance at all times. Can I run on the outside of a 250km/h against this guy or should I not do it?"

Maldonado, who joined Lotus from Williams in November, will line up against his fellow F1 drivers for the start of the season at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.