23 Sep 2013

Raikkonen left Lotus over money

10:59 am on 23 September 2013

Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen says he decided to rejoin Ferrari next season after his current team Lotus failed to pay his salary.

The 33-year-old Raikkonen agreed last week to replace Felipe Massa as Fernando Alonso's team-mate at Ferrari, setting up a formidable partnership of former world champions at the prestigious Italian outfit where he won the title in 2007.

The Finn will continue to race for Lotus at this weekend's Singapore grand prix and in the remaining six races of the season despite not being paid, as he says he likes to race.

His decision to join Ferrari has drawn criticism from some commentators who suggest having two high-profile drivers in one team could lead to problems

Raikkonen, however, believes that age and experience will be a key factor in making his relationship with the 32-year-old Alonso a good one.