Raikkonen: My future is in Ferrari's hands
- Published on 02 Aug 2018 16:22
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Kimi Raikkonen says that his future lies solely in the hands of Ferrari, and that he still is unsure where he will be next season. The Finn rejoined the Scuderia in 2014, but is yet to take a win in the hybrid era despite stepping onto the podium 22 times.
Ferrari young driver Charles Leclerc is in the frame for a seat with the front-runners for 2019, but Raikkonen claims that a decision over who will partner Sebastian Vettel has not been made. However, the Iceman knows that he would prefer to stay with Ferrari next year.
"Of course I would like to stay, but it's Ferrari's decision alone," Raikkonen told Sport Bild. "I'm waiting just as much as you are.
"Even if we crash, there's no issue after a conversation," he said of his relationship with Vettel. "He's a guy who will say it's his mistake and I'm the same.
It's much better to work in that atmosphere, and it also makes the car faster. We both have the same goal - to make Ferrari world champion."
Meanwhile, new Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri says that Ferrari is still in discussions with Liberty Media regarding the future of F1. He says that while progress has been made on the technical side, there is work to be done on the budget cap and governance.
"There are ongoing talks with Liberty Media," Camilleri said. "I think there has been progress on the technical side, but less on the budget cap and governance. I'm not sure about new ideas, the goal is to divide the cake as it is. We do not talk about how to increase it. I am sure I can bring my contribution."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (8)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I've been harshly critical of Raikkonen for the last 5 years and I think he deserved it. But this year? I gotta say he's improved or the car fits him quite a bit better. He's still, of course, a number 2 driver. The difference is that he's a respectable #2 driver, one that could actually help Ferrari get constructor's championships. Also, he's helped by the fact that Vettel has wasted so many points so it looks like the are close.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
True, but at the same time I sorta feel like what someone else here said: Kimi is uneven, and tend to get to his peak as the time comes for signing drivers.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I think Kimi has driven really well. 5 podiums in the last 5 races. Really good stuff
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@calle I hadn't noticed that but it rings true. My personal preference as a Ferrari adversary is to keep Raikkonen. He's at best a moderately consistent podium finisher. At worst he is Felipe Massa. On the other hand if they bring Leclerc I think he might be a superstar and would make Ferrari very difficult to beat. Although I'd like to see (for once) a battle for #1 status at Ferrari. Imagine Ferrari's actually racing each other. I don't remember last time I saw that.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I for one would love to see Leclerc get that seat. While another year at Sauber probably wouldnt hurt, I think he is more than ready for the big league.
Lotus4Ever
Posts: 26
Bring Colin Chapman backfrom the grave, let him design a new Lotus John Player Special and put Kimi in it. His time at Ferrari is over. Time to put Leclerc in the Ferrari!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Sorry to say but necromancy is against the current f1 regulations. So no Chapman.
Danimal5981
Posts: 582
I'm not sure a team like Ferrari thinks in terms of 'who is the best?'. Their number one priority is to finally win a championship again and they think a clear division between a #1 and #2 driver is their best bet: the upcoming talent of Leclerc might create a situation similar to Red Bull in 2014, where the 'new kid' (RIC) blew away the world champion (VET). So, that would be something Ferrari as team and Vettel as driver would like to avoid, I'm sure.
I'm thinking that during pre-season, Ferrari calculated on a Vettel vs. Mercedes battle akin to 2017. So for Ferrari the question is clear: is our #2 driver able to bag 200-250 points? As long as Raikkonen can do that there is no reason to replace him, even if us fans would like to see that happen. With 146 points out of 12 races, he's doing his job as expected.