- Lotus
Raikkonen's pay issues not a concern for Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg says he isn't concerned by the issues Kimi Raikkonen has had with not being paid by Lotus so far this year.
Raikkonen was a late arrival to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend as he considered not racing after a dispute over money he is owed by Lotus. With Hulkenberg favourite to replace Raikkonen at the team next season, he admitted he was aware of the situation but not concerned it would affect him if he were to join.
"No, I think Kimi has a very different salary to mine!" Hulkenberg told GPWeek. "That is the first point, it is a lot larger. You know, I think, it will be a different case. Things change and I'm not super worried about that. I think you have three or four big teams which are financially quite stable. Everybody else is struggling a little bit in terms of finance so it's difficult. "
Hulkenberg also said he hopes Lotus ties up its deal with Quantum Motorsports to give the team a stable platform to work from.
"Yes, you do want [financial security]. Of course that's an important point nowadays in Formula One, just for a team to be able to keep the development up, to keep going, to keep being competitive. It is an expensive sport to run if you've noticed; it's no secret. I think for the team, for themselves, for Lotus, I think it is important to find that deal and finalise it and have the security and stability."
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