Money and driver problems for Lotus

Lotus has suffered the biggest financial loss in motorsport history, according to F1 business journalist Christian Sylt.

A Telegraph report said the Enstone-based team's latest figures show a loss of as much as $86 million for 2012 due to sponsor problems.

“No F1 team has ever suffered such a loss,” said Sylt.

There could be further bad news for the English team, in fact the rumors surrounding Kimi Raikkonen's move to Red Bull are becoming more and more pressing.

“It would be a real shame for Lotus, because they are doing a great job for them. But it's his decision,” said former driver Alain Prost regarding Raikkonen.

At the same time, Raikkonen's partner, Romain Grosjean seems to be back to last year, in fact he was penalized by 10 positions for the Montreal Grand Prix for having rear-ended Daniel Ricciardo.

Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen is not surprised by this.

“I think that focusing on him again is no longer good. Something is happening and I think the team is thinking about something to do,” the Finn told Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

Hakkinen's old teammate David Coulthard also agrees: “He's showing that speed isn't everything.”

“It's done a lot of damage and I don't think Lotus is flush with gold. They don't expect four accidents in a single weekend,” she told the BBC.

However, Lotus also complained about another "impulsive" driver, namely Sergio Perez.

Raikkonen in fact addressed the Mexican with adjectives such as "stupid" and "idiot" after their contact at the chicane.

“At the moment I think idiot is a nice word compared to what he said,” said Eric Boullier.

Stefano Rifici