Kimi Raikkonen, celebrated all around the world for his championship-winning driving and his famously "stoic" attitude on team radio, hides a lesser-known incident in which his incredible achievements nearly bankrupted the Lotus Racing team. An unusual provision in Raikkonen's 2012 contract with the Lotus F1 team stated that he would only receive money if he was successful in landing a sponsorship agreement for the team, which would amount to a staggering $20 million. But Raikkonen stood firm, refusing to get in the car until he got his just salary, after the sponsors failed to pay their bills on time. Lotus' finances were in shambles as a result of the standoff; they were unable to pay their debts, including Raikkonen's.
Another provision in Raikkonen's contract, which allowed him to receive a bonus for every championship point he gained, added financial stress. The Finn's incredible point total of 390 during his two years with the team was a major financial strain on the British club. Whatever the case may be, Raikkonen had outstanding on-track performances, finishing on the podium thirteen times and winning two races (the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2013 Australian Grand Prix). The unexpected implications of the 'Iceman's' remarkable success drove Lotus to the verge of financial ruin, highlighting the unintended outcomes of his remarkable accomplishments.
F1: Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus
Kimi Raikkonen became one of the most beloved figures in Formula 1 thanks to his honest and forthright personality. This trait was clear in many of the interviews that Kulta conducted over the course of nearly 20 years.
For Raikkonen, the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a watershed moment that defined his personality. With the famous "leave me alone, I know what I am doing" speech he made to his engineers, he went from fourth to first place following Hamilton's unexpected retirement. With the Yas Marina lights shining brightly, Raikkonen skillfully defended the race against Alonso's Ferrari and Vettel's Red Bull.
Raikkonen demonstrated what die-hard fans could call a "masterclass in defensive driving" by keeping his tyres in good condition throughout the race. A remarkable triumph for Lotus and himself was etched into his tenacious defence against Alonso, which culminated in a victory.
In 2021, after finishing a three-season run with Alfa Romeo, Raikkonen retired from Formula One, ending an epic career. For Alfa Romeo, the 2019 season was highlighted by Raikkonen's remarkable fourth-place performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With Alfa Romeo's departure from Formula 1, Sauber is competing under the Stake F1 Team and will become the Audi Works team for the 2026 season.
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