Lotus F1 owner Gerard Lopez believes Kimi Raikkonen's enthusiasm and desire coupled with freedom from the team has helped the Finn to blossom.

When the Enstone squad decided to lure Raikkonen out of the retirement, many questioned whether he would be motivated following a few years in the World Rally Championship.

However, the former World Champion impressed during his comeback season as he finished third behind Sebastian Vettel and Fernado Alonso in the standings and also claimed one race win and six further podiums.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport Lopez said: "Everyone who had claimed that he wasn't motivated now comes around to tell me they knew Kimi was still super strong.

"It makes me smile. I knew it would be like this. Raikkonen has put in a great amount of work to compliment his talent and the results are the fruit of that."

He added: "He feels like he is used for what's most important and the rest of the time he is free. He's found a balance; we speak every week and he feels good. He has enthusiasm and desire. I want drivers, not robots."

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