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Adapted from GMM
Finn Raikkonen confirmed after arriving in Abu Dhabi a day late that he could sit out the last two grands prix of the season because he has not been paid "one euro" in 2013.
"For sure (I could)," the 2007 world champion, who is returning to Ferrari in 2014, answered when asked about not racing in Austin and Brazil.
"I enjoy racing, I enjoy driving -- but a big part of it is business. Sometimes when that is not dealt with like it should, we end up in an unfortunate situation."
His boss Eric Boullier admitted Lotus is still behind in paying Raikkonen's salary.
But Sir Jackie Stewart, who is an advisor to Lotus' Gerard Lopez-led team owner, Genii Capital, is confident Kimi Raikkonen will line up in his black and gold Lotus in Austin later this month.
"The owners tell me that this problem will be resolved no later than the grand prix in Austin," the 74-year-old revealed.
"I hope that's right and Kimi completes the season. He is a great driver and with the team he has delivered great results this year," the famous Scot added.
Stewart also defended Lotus, insisting that while its financial problems are grabbing the headlines at present, there is trouble elsewhere in pitlane as well.
"I know of at least three teams who have not paid their drivers as of today," he said.
Finn Raikkonen confirmed after arriving in Abu Dhabi a day late that he could sit out the last two grands prix of the season because he has not been paid "one euro" in 2013.
"For sure (I could)," the 2007 world champion, who is returning to Ferrari in 2014, answered when asked about not racing in Austin and Brazil.
"I enjoy racing, I enjoy driving -- but a big part of it is business. Sometimes when that is not dealt with like it should, we end up in an unfortunate situation."
His boss Eric Boullier admitted Lotus is still behind in paying Raikkonen's salary.
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| Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2) |
But Sir Jackie Stewart, who is an advisor to Lotus' Gerard Lopez-led team owner, Genii Capital, is confident Kimi Raikkonen will line up in his black and gold Lotus in Austin later this month.
"The owners tell me that this problem will be resolved no later than the grand prix in Austin," the 74-year-old revealed.
"I hope that's right and Kimi completes the season. He is a great driver and with the team he has delivered great results this year," the famous Scot added.
Stewart also defended Lotus, insisting that while its financial problems are grabbing the headlines at present, there is trouble elsewhere in pitlane as well.
"I know of at least three teams who have not paid their drivers as of today," he said.