BREAKING: Raikkonen not racing anymore for Lotus

Kimi Raikkonen will miss the rest of the 2013 season, Lotus announced on Sunday. Some cynics were already expecting to hear that the Finn will not be in Austin or Brazil, following his pay dispute and deteriorating relationship with the Enstone based team.

But Lotus said the reason for Raikkonen's early exit is actually back surgery, after the 34-year-old suffered with pain throughout the recent Singapore grand prix.

His manager, Steve Robertson, told Turun Sanomat that Raikkonen will have the operation on Thursday in Salzburg.

"It is what the experts recommend," he said. Turun Sanomat said Raikkonen's problems flared up again in Abu Dhabi, where he could only sleep with the aid of painkillers.

"Kimi can not afford a further delay," Robertson, whose charge is switching to Ferrari over the winter, explained.

"It's incredibly important to get the problem under control now, so that in 2014 he can be healthy and fit to attack the season.

"It is obviously disappointing that the relationship with Lotus is ending this way after Kimi's return (to F1) over two successful seasons," he added.

It is expected that team reserve driver Davide Valsecchi will replace Raikkonen. Lotus said an announcement will be made "in due course".

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar