Raikkonen threatens to quit Lotus before season end if not paid 17 mln-pound salary

London – Finnish racing star Kimi Raikkonen has reportedly threatened to leave his Formula One team Lotus before the end of this season over his claims that he has not been paid a single penny of his estimated 17 million-pound salary, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, who was also reportedly treated to an explosive abusive exchange on the team radio at the last round in India, had failed to turn up for reconciliation talks, which fueled rumours that he might boycott the Abu Dhabi race, although he finished fourth on the time sheets headed by newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel on Friday.

According to the Mirror, Raikkonen said that although he enjoys racing, he would not race as a big part of it is business, which has currently placed him in an ‘unfortunate situation’, and hinted that he would not be responsible for his actions if he is not paid.

The report mentioned that Raikkonen had signed for rivals Ferrari in September because he had not been paid, adding that the problems have multiplied because the Finn was hired on a bonus system linked to points and the team has been wildly successful.

However, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier has held talks with key shareholder Gerad Lopez to resolve the situation, the report added.