Wolff backing for Maldonado

Williams executive director Toto Wolff is convinced Pastor Maldonado is learning the lessons of a troubled campaign and will emerge a far stronger driver for it.

Maldonado has incurred numerous penalties this season for a variety of infractions.

But Wolff, team principal Sir Frank Williams' right-hand man who runs the marque when the 70-year-old is unable to attend races, has no doubts Maldonado will come good again, describing him as "an intelligent guy and he will learn from it".

"He's got a huge raw talent, he is extremely fast, and he is a nice guy, which is important because you need to be socially competent to function in that environment," Wolff told formula1.com.

"The new generation of drivers needs to be like that. Yes, he seems to struggle in some situations in the race.

"From one stupid, heated incident in Monaco (when he clashed with Sauber's Sergio Perez) it has almost become an avalanche, and this is affecting his performance. But I think he has understood now he has to take a different approach - this is not GP2.

"He is an intelligent guy and he will learn from it. He understands that he is in a difficult situation, but he will rise above it, of that I am 100% sure."

Asked about targets for next year, Wolff added: "In 2013 we will have a carry-over of the car so I'd like to see us in the points more regularly.

"Pastor hopefully stays with us and has learned his lessons - so the next logical step would be the top six in the constructors' - or even top five.

"In 2014 all is new - new car, new engine - so everything is up in the air again, but nevertheless I see us as one of the top teams. Whether this means winning races regularly or challenging for the championship, I don't know, but the perception should be that this team is winning races and is on the podium regularly."