• Korean Grand Prix

Grosjean 'begged' to be let past Raikkonen

Romain Grosjean was passed by Kimi Raikkonen after the first safety car period © Sutton Images

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• Lotus F1

Lotus team principal Eric Boullier says Romain Grosjean was "begging" to be allowed back past team-mate Kimi Raikkonen for second place at the end of the Korean Grand Prix but was told to race.

Grosjean put in a strong performance to keep race winner Sebastian Vettel honest in the early part of the race, but lost second place to Raikkonen when he made a mistake coming out of the penultimate corner after the first safety car period . Grosjean looked quicker in the closing stages of the race and was on the radio asking for a free pass, but Boullier told him to continue to race.

"Romain got frustrated because he did a small mistake after the restart with the safety car and Kimi just passed him," Boullier said. "I think he was begging for some team orders to let him past, but he made a mistake and it was normal racing. I think he could have been quicker, but with a bit of pressure he lost concentration so it's just part of the learning curve."

He added: "We know he was upset. Romain was clearly pushing on the radio to get some help to get this position back, but we said no team orders and keep racing. We knew he was upset. Yes, he was the quickest [Lotus], but sometimes it's not enough to gain position."

Grosjean admitted he made a mistake but played down his frustrations after the race.

"I made a small mistake and Kimi could pass me and then we had the yellow flags for Turn 4 so I couldn't use the DRS [to fight back]," he explained. "I tried to push hard at the end but it's good to be back on the podium and it's good for the team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.