Lotus could keep both drivers in 2014

Jul.16 (GMM) Team owner Gerard Lopez has warned potential suitors that Lotus may in fact have no driver vacancies for 2014.

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted he is contemplating a switch to Red Bull, while Romain Grosjean is on a wave of up-and-down form during his single-season contract.

But while admitting "many" are prowling around Lotus' 2014 seats, Lopez is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace: "We are in no hurry."

"Romain just needs to keep doing what he's doing now," he said, after the Frenchman finished on the podium at the Nurburgring.

"We are not in a hurry to do anything."

Eric Boullier, Lotus F1 Team Principal celebrates with second placed Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus F1 Team, third placed Romain Grosjean, Lotus F1 Team, and the rest of the team

Photo by: XPB Images

Lopez's statement is a warning to drivers like Nico Hulkenberg, who is free to leave his breached Sauber contract at any time, or Pastor Maldonado, who has been linked with a move from Williams.

He said the only important thing is that Lotus have "good" drivers.

"I don't care if it's a world champion or not," said Lopez.

"Kimi probably could have won more championships than he has, or he might have missed what he achieved (in 2007) at the last minute.

"I don't care: he's a great driver. You don't want one (a driver) with 10, 11 or 12 titles but is not good enough."