The Lotus F1 Team has denied it will boycott the United States Grand Prix after reports emerged on Friday that it, along with Force India and Sauber, would refuse to race on Sunday due to the current financial crisis.
The boycott is in support of bankrupt Caterham and Marussia, as well as the way prize money is distributed in the sport which favours the bigger teams.
However speaking on Friday, Lotus co-owner Gerard Lopez dismissed the report and claimed it was the first he’s heard of the plans to boycott the event.
“I’ve just found out about the story now, so my answer is no. I’ve no idea. I have to say a bit surprised,” he said.
“I’ve had a meeting with [the other teams] about the cash distribution and so on, and that’s it. I’m not aware of this. I don’t even know where this comes from.”
Lotus’s Twitter account also refuted the claims, adding: “For any absence of doubt, we will be racing on Sunday. That’s kinda why we’re here.”
Discussion about this post