Martin Brundle believes Pastor Maldonado should be secure in his job but admits financial backing counts for a lot in the current climate.
Questions have been raised about Maldonado's future in Formula One following the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Chavez supported state oil company PDVSA's sponsorship of Maldonado leading to concerns over whether the deal will continue.
"He became a national hero for winning the Spanish GP last year and I think that has been good for Venezuela and good for his sponsors so why would they want to run away?" Brundle told Sky Sports News.
"Obviously politics may well play a part but I think he has shown he has tremendous speed.
"(But) the state of play in Formula 1 and global economics means that cheque helps him a lot."
