Raikkonen hopes Vettel sticks with Ferrari beyond 2017

Kimi Raikkonen is hopeful that Sebastian Vettel will stay with Ferrari beyond 2017. The German's deal with the Scuderia outfit expires at the end of the year, but it is expected that an announcement declaring an extension is imminent. 

Earlier this week, Ferrari announced that Raikkonen would be staying on for another season. The 2007 world champion is on a one-year rolling contract and enters his fifth consecutive year with Ferrari, his eighth overall. Speaking to media in Belgium about his deal, the Finn admits he was happy to stay on.

"I wouldn't do it if I didn't want to and be happy with it and the team feels same way," he said. "Everybody has own view of things, obviously we want to do well, we want to improve. We always find things to do better and try to find more speed.

"Lately it's been a bit better; I've been feeling a bit more comfortable and able to drive as we want. The results look a bit better and I'm confident that we are doing the right things and getting to where we want to be," he added.

Some have speculated that Vettel's announcement will come at the Italian Grand Prix, which follows the race this weekend in Belgium. Raikkonen says that he is the best teammate and hopes that they will be partnered together once again next year: "Sebastian is the best teammate. We get on very well together, so hopefully it all stays the same as it is now."

Fergal Walsh