Raikkonen's 2013 Lotus Deal May Have Made Him F1's Top Earner, Says Boullier
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier suggested Kimi Raikkonen's bonus-heavy contract could have made him the highest paid Formula One driver of 2013, despite payment delays.
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier said in October 2013 that Kimi Raikkonen was likely the highest paid Formula One driver that season, with a contract structured around a modest base salary and substantial bonuses for points scored. The arrangement, agreed when Raikkonen returned from his rally and NASCAR break, ended up costing Lotus more than expected as the Finn consistently delivered strong results.
Bonus-heavy contract surprises Lotus
When Raikkonen rejoined Formula One with Lotus for 2012, the team structured his deal with a lower base salary and generous performance incentives. According to Boullier, both sides expected good results but did not anticipate just how effective the combination would be. Raikkonen's consistent points finishes meant his bonuses quickly outstripped the retainer, putting pressure on Lotus's finances.
Team owner Gerard Lopez acknowledged that the outcome exceeded expectations, saying the team knew both Raikkonen and Lotus would be competitive but not to such an extent. The financial strain became apparent when Raikkonen cited late payments as a reason for leaving the team for Ferrari in 2014.
Boullier: Raikkonen's impact on Lotus and F1
Boullier credited Lotus with revitalising Raikkonen's Formula One career, arguing that the team built its structure and car around the Finn. He suggested that had Raikkonen joined a different outfit, or not returned at all, his profile in the sport might have faded. Boullier also said Raikkonen's time at Lotus increased his popularity among fans and restored his self-confidence after his sabbatical.
Despite the successful partnership on track, the relationship ended on a sour note due to the team's financial difficulties. Raikkonen's decision to move to Ferrari for 2014 was publicly linked to delayed salary and bonus payments. Boullier confirmed that Romain Grosjean would remain with Lotus, with Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Massa among the candidates to fill the vacant seat.
Raikkonen's pay in context with other F1 stars
While exact figures were not disclosed, Boullier's comments and Raikkonen's bonus structure suggested his total earnings could have surpassed those of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in 2013. Alonso's contract with Ferrari was widely reported to be among the highest in the paddock, but Raikkonen's deal, if fully honoured, may have eclipsed it due to the unexpectedly high points tally.
- Raikkonen's Lotus deal: Low base salary, high points bonuses.
- Alonso's Ferrari contract: High fixed salary, fewer variable components.
- Hamilton's Mercedes contract: Substantial salary, performance incentives.
Raikkonen's financial dispute with Lotus highlighted the risks for teams offering heavily incentivised contracts without the cash flow to match on-track success. His departure forced Lotus to rethink its approach to driver contracts and seek a new lead driver for 2014.
