The melodrama of Kimi Raikkonen’s recent relationship with Lotus has reached a climax with word the 2007 world champion will miss the final two grands prix of the season to have back surgery.
Kimi and Lotus have endured a strained relationship ever since the 34-year-old announced he was moving to Ferrari in 2014. Motivations for Kimi’s switch became clearer when it emerged he hadn’t been paid all season due to Lotus’ financial woes.
Indeed, last week Raikkonen had threatened to withdraw from the final two races unless his pay disupte was finalised. This followed an angry radio exchange during the closing stages of the Indian Grand Prix where Lotus Trackside Operations Director, Alan Permane, ordered Kimi to “get out of the fucking way” of a faster Romain Grosjean.
Despite all this we were led to believe Kimi would be racing in Austin and a satisfactory resolution to his pay dispute had been reached.
Clearly that resolution didn’t last and we’re being told that Kimi’s troublesome back has forced his hand. Of course, the timing of his injury-related end to the season could just be an amazing coincidence.
“In an ideal world it would have been nice to finish the season with Lotus in the final two grands prix,” Steve Robertson, Raikkonen’s manager, told Autosport.
“However, due to the severe pain that Kimi is having, sadly it is not possible.”
Highlighting what a farce the Raikkonen–Lotus saga has been, the lead story on the Lotus website is currently all about Kimi looking forward to racing in Austin next weekend.
Lotus reserve driver Davide Valsecchi is probably hoping, maybe even expecting, to get the call up to replace Kimi. But who knows what will happen next.
[Source: Autosport | Pic: Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]
8 replies on “Kimi backs out of Lotus career”
Wonder what the odds are for Kimi to leave Ferrari before his two years are up.
@Aaron, I think that comment is a little unfair, given that Kimi hasn’t received payment from Lotus all year. He raced for Lotus free of charge this year, when he’s one of the best in the sport, I think that says more about his work ethic than a picture of him eating an ice cream ever will.
I hope Ferrari has a ‘get out’ clause in case of ongoing injury to Kimi.
I wouldn’t want an injured driver; especially with Kimi’s moods! Watch out Ferrari if he does not heal quick.
@BavarianMaleWorker I agree and you do make a very good point. It’s just that I can see Kimi and Ferrari ending in tears. The circumstances may be very different but I have a feeling it will go sour. He was pretty unhappy when he left them last time and with Alonso on the other side of the garage I can’t see it being a terribly harmonious place to be. Who knows, I could be miles off, Kimi and Fernando might get on really well.
Aaron, if Kimi is not number one, then he is not happy. I think your right on the money.
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