Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Lotus team principal Eric Boullier believes that Romain Grosjean's performance in the Bahrain Grand Prix has proved that he has the potential to be world champion in the future.

The Franco-Swiss driver claimed his first podium finish in F1, but Boullier was particularly impressed with his pace relative to team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

"More than the podium finish, what was impressive is the fact that he finished so close to Kimi and just 10 seconds behind Sebastian Vettel," said Boullier when asked by AUTOSPORT about Grosjean's performance.

"I was not expecting to have both drivers to finish so close together.

"That means that he is now capable and ready to compete at the highest level. He has the speed and the talent to be world champion one day."

Boullier believes that the team's strong driver line-up will be key to its success this season.

Despite being impressed with Raikkonen's performances on F1 comeback and hailing his results so far, Boullier expects the Finn to improve further as the season progresses.

"There is more to come," said Boullier. "He has shown many times that he has the pace. When he needed to recover, from a bad qualifying in the race, he has been able to do it.

"It took him very little time to recover after a two year's absence and he showed this weekend that he is there."