Romain Grosjean admitted the Lotus team was glad the campaign was over as the Lotus driver finished 13th in the last race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday.

Grosjean had fought his way up the field in Abu Dhabi, having been served with a 20-place penalty for changing elements of his power unit.

However, teammate Pastor Maldonado’s race lasted only 26 laps as he pulled over after spotting flames coming from the rear of his car, to complete a miserable season for the Enstone-based team.

“We did the best we could,” said Grosjean, who finished 14th in the driver’s championship with eight points.

“My race wasn’t that eventful and unfortunately it came to an early end for Pastor, so I think that we are all glad that the season is now over.

“We thought about doing a three stop strategy early in the race, but then we swapped back to two stops.

“I’m already looking forward to being in the simulator to test the E23.

“We have a new power unit and aerodynamically next year’s car is looking like a great step forward.

“Now it’s time to take a break, recharge our batteries and look forward to 2015.”

Maldonado, who gleaned only two points, added: “That was a surprising race for me.

“Our race pace was actually pretty good and I was able to fight with the Ferraris as well as enjoying the feel from the car.

“I was able to push and the car worked well on both tyre compounds.

“Unfortunately, my race had to end early.

“The flames showed the engine wasn’t working too well, which also meant it was getting quite hot in the car.

“It’s a shame to finish a season like we did, but I know we have a lot of potential for 2015.

“So I am really looking forward to surprising some people when we return.”

It was another day to forget for the Leafield-based Cater-ham team, with Kamui Koba-yashi forced to retire on lap 42, while teammate Will Ste-vens was lapped on his debut.

Team Principal Federico Gastaldi said: “Everyone at the track and at Enstone has fought all the way, despite the lack of results.”