Amid reports that Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen's relationship with his team Lotus was broken irreparably in India, the Finn did not show up in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
According to InAutoNews.com, indeed, many wondered if Raikkonen's absence, although not totally unusual on a Thursday, was a message to the team that he more than didn't appreciate being sworn at on the radio last weekend.
Some believe Raikkonen even threatened to sit out this race altogether, the report said.
Sources said that the Finn was so insulted that he briefly considered staying home in Switzerland.
However, a team spokesman late on Thursday said the Finn is on his way to Abu Dhabi and expected to turn up for Friday practice, the report added.
It must be noted, however, that Lotus reserve driver Davide Valsecchi, the 2012 GP2 champion, was at the Yas Marina circuit on Thursday, the report further said.
2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton said Raikkonen was justified in being angry.
