Keeping Kimi Raikkonen "quite logical" - Alain Prost

Four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost has backed Ferrari's call to retain Kimi Raikkonen.

Romain Grosjean, Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Ricciardo have all been linked with Raikkonen's seat, but the Italian team instead opted to retain the 36-year-old, despite the fact he has struggled to rekindle his race winning form since his return to the team.

"Kimi is an icon in Formula One and the sport needs personalities like that," Prost told Canal Plus. "My view is that Ferrari's decision to extend his contract was quite logical, especially given the rule change that is coming."

"It would have been too disturbing to have another driver, and a younger one too, when they are still trying to rebuild the team with Sebastian Vettel," he added. "As we saw at Silverstone, Ferrari is now the third force behind Red Bull and more difficult for them. They were fighting with Force India all race so they have a lot to do and they need some stability and calm because they are not at the level they should be."

"So I think it's not a bad decision to keep Kimi for another year," Prost concluded.