Gerard Lopez claims retaining current driver line-up a possibility – Formula 1 news
Gerard Lopez has claimed that Lotus could retain both its drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean for the 2014 Formula 1 season, which will shut the doors to other potential candidates vying for a place in the team.
The former of the two Lotus drivers might move to Red Bull next year, as he is already in talks with the reigning world champions. However, he is aware of the risks involved in switching teams in 2014, as the engine changes will make a huge impact and heroes
can become zeroes within no time.
Moreover, the 2007 world champion is in a position to fight for the Drivers’ Championship this year and he might end up winning it, if Lotus provide him with a competitive car for the remainder of the season.
In that case, it will not be easy for the veteran driver to move to another squad. Moreover, he will have to consider a few other things like the freedom he enjoys with the current constructor. In case he partners Sebastian Vettel next year, he might have
to play the second fiddle, which will not suit him at all.
On the other hand, Grosjean is looking to go nowhere else and retaining him will be entirely up to the team. He has been delivering some good results this year and has managed to stay away from accidents, which shows that he has matured.
Therefore, Lopez said, “Romain just needs to keep doing what he's doing now. We are not in a hurry to do anything.”
When asked about looking for title winners, the Lotus team owner added, “I don't care if it's a world champion or not. Kimi probably could have won more championships than he has, or he might have missed what he achieved (in 2007) at the last minute. I don't
care: he's a great driver. You don't want one (a driver) with 10, 11 or 12 titles but is not good enough.”
In case Raikkonen decides to end his contract with the current team, a lot of other drivers will look to replace him, as the team has got the potential to fight for victories.
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