Lotus Owner Lopez Confirms Raikkonen Will Stay for 2013 F1 Season
Gerard Lopez says Kimi Raikkonen’s contract for 2013 with Lotus is secure, dismissing speculation of a move to Ferrari or McLaren.
Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez has confirmed Kimi Raikkonen is contracted to stay with the team for the 2013 Formula One season, ending weeks of speculation about a possible return to Ferrari or a move to McLaren. Lopez told Finnish media that the performance clauses in Raikkonen’s deal have been met, and the Finn will remain at Lotus next year.
Raikkonen, who returned to Formula One with Lotus in 2012 after two years away from the sport, had quickly become the subject of rumours linking him to a Ferrari comeback or a McLaren reunion. Both teams were reported to be considering options for their 2013 driver line-ups, with Lewis Hamilton’s future at McLaren also in question at the time. Lopez’s statement clarifies that Raikkonen’s contract with Lotus is valid for next season, provided the agreed performance targets are met, a condition the team says has already been satisfied.
In Formula One, driver contracts often include performance-related clauses that allow either party to review or terminate the agreement if targets are not achieved. Lopez confirmed that Raikkonen’s arrangement with Lotus was structured this way but insisted there is no uncertainty: “We have an agreement that is based on performance, and it has been fulfilled.”
No Forced Retention at Lotus
Lopez also addressed the broader issue of driver retention, stating that Lotus would not force a driver to stay against his wishes. He said both Raikkonen and his team-mate Romain Grosjean are happy at the team, and Lotus is satisfied with their performances. The team’s stance is that a positive working relationship is essential, and there is no interest in holding a driver to a contract if he wants to leave.
Raikkonen’s strong form in 2012, his first season back after a two-year absence, had made him a target for speculation, especially as the driver market shifted with uncertainty around Hamilton’s seat at McLaren. Despite the rumours, Lotus’ position is now clear: Raikkonen is expected to see out his contract through 2013.
Rumours and the 2013 Driver Market
The 2012 driver market was unsettled, with speculation not only about Raikkonen but also about Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Ferrari and McLaren were both said to be considering changes, leading to a swirl of stories about possible moves. Lopez acknowledged the prevalence of such rumours in Formula One, noting that some originate from genuine talks, while others are simply unfounded.
With Raikkonen’s immediate future settled, attention turned to other drivers and teams as the 2013 grid began to take shape. For more on Raikkonen’s later career decisions, see Raikkonen Leaves Ferrari 2016 Option in Team’s Hands.
