Lotus E22 Render Released

Lotus fans were disappointed when their team stated that they would not be attending the first pre-season test in Jerez and consequently delaying the launch of their 2014 challenger. The team who were the first to unveil their 2013 car were looking to spend more time developing the package at Enstone. However, in conjunction with the corporate launch season, Lotus have released three renderings of their new car and it has certainly sparked some discussion.

The images released are merely a concept, but the Lotus E22's odd design is certainly sparking debate
(c) Lotus F1 Team

McLaren MP4-29 Unveiling

Sleek, silver and shocking, the new McLaren MP4-29 has certainly divided opinion. The car features the most radical nose design yet - the 'anteater' extension which was noticeable on the Williams is supported by two vertical spars on either side. It is certainly a peculiar design which will take some getting used to. Meanwhile, the main talking point of the day was Martin Whitmarsh's absence from the launch, with McLaren Managing Director, Jonathan Neale, taking the reigns. With Eric Boullier turning his back on Lotus this morning, it seems as though he could be on his way to McLaren. Coincidences are decidedly rare in Formula One...

The MP4-29 features one of the most radical nose designs we are likely to see
(c) McLaren Mercedes

2013 Team Reviews: Lotus

Next to come under the microscope is Lotus and what a crazy season it has been for the team from Enstone. Kimi Raikkonen has proved to be a highly valuable asset to the team - too valuable in fact, while Romain Grosjean enjoyed a magnificent turn in form after the summer break as he claimed four podiums post Hungary to add to his two prior to the shutdown. While Lotus were at times, the closest challengers to Red Bull, the team struggled with inconsistencies during the early part of the year which meant that they were unable to catch Ferrari and Mercedes, despite their better form at the end of the year.

Raikkonen Checks Out Of Lotus

The Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus relationship has been steadily deteriorating in recent weeks. As Raikkonen is heading to Ferrari next season, he has not been shy in condemning the team for their poor finances, which have led to him not being paid. However, lack of payment is not the reason why Raikkonen's management team have announced that he will not race in the final two rounds of the season - instead, the Finn will undergo surgery on Thursday to cure the trapped nerve in his back which almost ruled him out of the Singapore Grand Prix back in early October.

Lotus Heading In The Right Direction

Lotus' season so far as been far from a smooth cruise. Following an explosive start which saw Kimi Raikkonen take his 20th career victory in Australia, the team have frequently stuttered. In certain regards, this season has closely resembled their 2012 campaign. As the paddock takes shape before a weekend, Lotus are tipped as the dark horses, yet often fail to rise to the occasion. However, several developments seem to have brought the Enstone based team back into contention, but was a spectacular German Grand Prix performance merely a flash in the pan?

Grosjean's Monaco Issues Dismissed

Following a truly shambolic weekend in Monaco, Eric Boullier has dismissed speculation that Romain Grosjean is beginning to devolve into the reckless driver he was just 12 months ago. His hideous misjudgment which ended Daniel Ricciardo's race yesterday is yet another addition to the long list of incidents which have previously earned Grosjean the unsavory title of "Mr.Nutcase".
His clumsy accident in yesterday's race was dubbed a "misjudgment" by the unfortunate Ricciardo, yet Grosjean's mistakes happen all too frequently. In a season which has been confirmed as his second and last chance, he is yet to repay Lotus for the faith they have shown in him. His ten-place grid penalty for causing the nasty collision will significantly hamper his Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Grosjean Targets Quali Improvements

Following an impressive double podium in Bahrain, Lotus head into the European season with a chance to topple Red Bull in both championships. However, Romain Grosjean has suggested that the team need to improve their performances in Qualifying if they are to mount a sustained challenge. For a team which notoriously struggle for one lap performance, this may be easier said than done.

Boullier Predicted Sepang Struggles

Lotus Team Principal, Eric Boullier, has announced that the team predicted a drop in form following the Australian Grand Prix and were unsurprised by their poor race pace. Kimi Raikkonen could only reach P7 in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, from P10 on the grid. Meanwhile, teammate Grosjean could only finish one position higher in P6.