On 1 December 2011, it was confirmed that Maldonado would be retained for the 2012 season, along with reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who took part in 15 Friday practice sessions.
O 1 de decembro de 2011, confirmouse que Maldonado sería retenido para a tempada 2012, xunto co piloto de reserva Valtteri Bottas, que participou nas sesións prácticas libres dos 15 venres.