Raikkonen denies racing only for money

Kimi Raikkonen has hit back at claims only money motivates him to keep racing in formula one.

After a two-year hiatus in world rallying in the wake of his Ferrari career, the phlegmatic Finn returned to the grid with Lotus last year, winning in Abu Dhabi and finishing a surprise third in the world championship.

He also made a lot of money, raking in millions after agreeing a modest retainer with lucrative bonuses for the swathe of points he ultimately scored.

"I’ve been paid well for my work," Raikkonen is quoted as saying by Finland’s Turun Sanomat.

"It has sometimes been a lot, sometimes not so much, but if money was the only motivation, I would not be in formula one.

"Although it has become safer, there are also high risks."