KIMI RAIKKONEN WANTS his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory to serve as a springboard for Lotus to fulfil their Formula One potential.

The Finn won an eventful race at the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday, a first GP victory of the season for Lotus and Raikkonen’s first win since returning to the sport from the World Rally Championship.

Speaking afterwards, Raikkonen played down his individual achievement, and sought to focus on the efforts of his colleagues behind the scenes.

“I am happy mainly for the team,” Raikkonen was quoted as saying by Autosport.

“It has been a hard season for the team.

“Hopefully this gives a bit more belief, not just for the guys doing all the work but also the guys who own it.

“I hope it can turn the tables and we can win more this year and next year as well.”

Raikkonen said Lotus were sure to celebrate their achievement over the coming days, but he is also well aware there are still two more races remaining this season, with more points potentially up for grabs.

“There is nothing to jump around about, we still have a few races to go,” he said.

“We’ll try to do the same again and sure we’ll have a good party today and tomorrow when we feel bad after a long night we will remember what we felt like now.”

Raikkonen, who is now up to third in the drivers’ standings, feels Lotus had threatened to break drought before this season, including at last week’s Indian GP.

“We have been close a few times,” Raikkonen said.

“Even in the last race we had speed to win but if you do not start in front you see what happens.

“So the start was key. I think compared with McLaren we didn’t have speed at the beginning of the race, but you have to finish the race,” he said, referring to the retirement of pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton.

Formula One: Raikkonen restores lustre to Lotus >