While admitting talks with teams are already taking place, Kimi Raikkonen’s manager said he believes the 2007 world champion will be on the grid in 2014.
Hinting that staying at Lotus or moving to Red Bull are possibilities, the inimitable Finn has also insisted leaving formula one altogether can’t be ruled out.
Manager Steve Robertson, however, doesn’t think so.
"Frankly, it is my firm belief that Kimi will be in F1 next year," he told Turun Sanomat newspaper.
"At the moment I think that’s the most important news for everyone.
"With Kimi driving the way he has been, there is demand, and when Kimi enjoys his driving and wants to continue, there’s supply and demand," Robertson smiled.
While moving to world champions Red Bull might seem the obvious choice for the former Ferrari and McLaren driver, however, Raikkonen enjoys the freedoms that Lotus permits him — like very minimal sponsor and other ’non-racing’ duties.
"I think yes," team boss Eric Boullier said at Silverstone, "Red Bull is chasing Kimi and we want to keep Kimi.
"I think so far he is happy with what he has," the Frenchman added.