Lotus has apologized to Kimi Raikkonen for an incorrect strategy call that denied the Finn a likely podium finish in Sunday's British Grand Prix.

Team principal Eric Boullier, who is facing a tug-of-war with Red Bull for the 2007 world champion's services next year, recognized in a preview for this week's German Grand Prix that the team had got it wrong.

"Our strategy was great until the last safety car. We should have called Kimi in to save at least one position and make the podium. Unfortunately we made the wrong call for which we apologized to Kimi and to the team," said Boullier.