Lotus face being locked out of their hospitality tent for the entirety of the Japanese Grand Prix with their money problems coming to a head in Suzuka.
For the second consecutive day, members of the cash-strapped outfit have sought refuge elsewhere at the track with the driver's dining at rival teams.
Meanwhile, around 60 Lotus mechanics are being fed in the exclusive Paddock Club, an area which is usually reserved for VIPs, sponsors and guests.
Romain Grosjean and Jolyon Palmer, the team's British reserve driver, were able to see the funny side on Friday after they posted pictures to their social media accounts.
Grosjean wrote: "Just like the old days", while perched on a cool box at the back of the team's garage.
Palmer, who completed only one lap in Friday's opening rain-hit practice session, is pictured sitting on the floor holding a packet of Doritos. "Now just kicking back and enjoying the @Lotus_F1Team VIP hospitality," he wrote.
But the embarrassing incident is unlikely to go down well with Formula One's hierarchy.
Lotus are to appear in the High Court in London for a third time on Monday over an unpaid tax bill, and some of their freight for this weekend's race, including their pool of Mercedes engines, arrived late on Thursday.
Lotus, who remain in talks with Renault over a buy-out deal, announced in Singapore they would retain the heavily-backed Pastor Maldonado, who is thought to bring in around £35million in Venezuelan sponsorship.
But Grosjean is on the brink of announcing his move to Haas for next season after the newly-formed American team revealed they will unveil their driver line-up for their debut campaign on Tuesday.
Coincidentally Grosjean, who had to perform his media duties holding an umbrella in the rain, said his future would "probably" be confirmed next week.
In Friday's second rain-hit practice session, Grosjean was 15th in the standings while Maldonado was 10th.
Source: PA
