The manager of Kimi Raikkonen has revealed that the Finn will skip the final two races of the season to undergo an operation on his injured back.
The 34-year-old has now likely driven his last race in a Lotus Renault car, as he will move to Ferrari to partner Fernando Alonso for the 2014 campaign.
Raikkonen's representative, Steve Robertson, has admitted that his client is disappointed to leave his current team in this fashion, but increasing discomfort in recent weeks meant that surgery was necessary.
He told the publication Turun Sanomat: "In an ideal world it would have been nice to finish the season with Lotus. However, due to the severe pain that Kimi is having, sadly it is not possible."
Raikkonen stands third in the drivers' standings, having recorded seven podium finishes, including a victory in the season-opening Grand Prix in Australia, this year.
