F1: Kimi Raikkonen opts for back surgery over Lotus farewell

Kimi Raikkonen (GETTY IMAGES)

Kimi Raikkonen will miss the last two races of the Formula One season in the US and Brazil after deciding to have back surgery next week. Steve Robertson, Raikkonen’s manager, said the 2007 world champion, who is moving to Ferrari next season, could no longer put off the operation.

“In an ideal world it would have been nice to finish the season with Lotus,” he said. “However, due to the severe pain that Kimi is having, sadly it is not possible.”

Raikkonen had previously threatened to boycott the final two races of the season after complaining before this month’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he had not been paid by Lotus, who have financial problems. A Lotus spokesman could not immediately confirm the reports.