Monday’s hearing could force Lotus into administration or it could be delayed with talks over a Renault deal still ongoing. Administration might not necessarily mean the end for Lotus, as Marussia managed to claw themselves back seemingly from the dead at the end of last season. Around 400 staff work at Lotus’s Oxfordshire base.
Lotus have been running on a shoestring budget all season as the current owners, Genii Capital, lost interest in the business. Two weeks ago the black and gold cars were held in Spa-Francorchamps after bailiffs acting for Charles Pic, a disgruntled former reserve driver, visited their garage after the Belgian Grand Prix. They also saw their tyres held by Pirelli earlier in the season as they were late paying a £250,000 bill.
What happens with Lotus and Renault feeds into Red Bull’s future. The former world champions’ relationship with their engine supplier, Renault, appears to have broken down beyond repair. The likely split leaves Red Bull without an engine for next season.
The team have tried to persuade Mercedes but they are reluctant to supply such a close rival. Ferrari, on the other hand, have said publicly they are open to a deal.