Pastor Maldonado: 'I wanted to leave'

Pastor Maldonado has admitted that he is looking forward to leaving Williams at the end of the season.

The Venezuelan hasn't yet secured a seat for next year but claims that he is excited to begin a new stage of his career.

When asked if he was disappointed to be ending his time at Williams, Maldonado responded: "No, I'm very happy. I wanted to leave the team, and I'm happy about that.

"It's been a tough year, very hard for the whole team, but personally I want to drive something different.

"This is an important time for me in my career. It's a tough decision - my decision - but a great one."

Maldonado will be replaced by Felipe Massa next year.