Mika Salo backs Kimi Raikkonen's decision to sit out of the last two races

Kimi Raikkonen

Former Formula One driver Mika Salo has backed Kimi Raikkonen’s decision to sit out of the last two races in the season to undergo a back surgery.

“It has been a problem for Kimi for a long time. He was going to have it done in the winter anyway, so when thinking about all that has happened with Lotus – the wages, the deteriorating atmosphere – then I think this is the right decision,” Salo said.

“It will give him more time to recover before the tests start in January,” he added.

Raikkonen has been struggling with the injury for a long time and is all set to return to Ferrari in the summer. The Finn’s absence will be a big blow for Lotus, who was hoping to finish second in the Constructors’ championship.