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Ferrari criticises Kimi Raikkonen after China

Published on 10 Apr 2017 10:51
7
By: Rob Veenstra

Ferrari has openly criticised Kimi Raikkonen after Sunday's Chinese grand prix. The Italian marque was not alone. The influential sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport said after Shanghai that the difference between Raikkonen and his teammate Sebastian Vettel was the latter's overtakes. "Kimi never even tried," it noted.

But the criticism went all the way to the top, with Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne present in Shanghai to observe the fabled team in action. "Raikkonen was lacking something? Yes, today he seemed to have other commitments, he was busy doing something else, or maybe he was tired," he told the Italian broadcaster Sky. "Vettel was much more aggressive."

And Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene pointed out that Raikkonen did plenty of public complaining about the car over the radio. "Today Kimi was talking, but I think when you talk a lot you are driving less," he said. President Marchionne continued: "I will talk to Arrivabene, as maybe it is time for him to sit down with him (Raikkonen) and tell him something clear."

More generally, however, the Italian-Canadian said he is happy with Ferrari's progress so far, with Vettel jointly leading the world championship. "Can Ferrari fight on par with Mercedes? We already do," said Marchionne.

In the constructors' championship, however, Ferrari is a point behind Mercedes, even though the Italian team has two world champions in the cockpits. So team boss Arrivabene hinted the time might come when Raikkonen is slotted into a clear supporting role for Vettel.

"The championship has just started, so there's no rush and time will tell. But if we find ourselves in a situation where Ferrari is fighting for victory in the championship, then our drivers are well aware of the rules of the game," he said. (GMM)

FatMike

Posts: 153

Dont really see why Ferrari would replace a burnout champ with a mediocre driver.

1
Apr 10 2017 - 13:41

F1 News Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari Mercedes

Replies (7)

renaultFanF1

Posts: 80
Grosjean seems very capable driver, I think Ferrari should look very closely at him
- + 0
- Apr 10 2017 - 11:09
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  He is a decent option, but IMO there are better options. Grosjean can be very inconsistent.
  + 0
  
  Apr 10 2017 - 12:58
- FatMike
  
  Posts: 153
  Dont really see why Ferrari would replace a burnout champ with a mediocre driver.
  + 1
  
  Apr 10 2017 - 13:41
mbmwe36

Posts: 533
Ferrari just can't help being Ferrari.

I think it's pretty clear that Vettel is the superior driver. That being said, Kimi does a good job, so if he's cool with being the Barrichelo to Vettel's Schumacher I think they should retain his services for next year as well, and then replace him with someone like Gio or maybe even Verstappen in 19
- + 0
- Apr 10 2017 - 15:27
Patentprutser

Posts: 392
I ageer for Australia but in China the team called Kimi to late in for new tires that's why Kimi lost a lot of time and a chance for a podium position
- + 0
- Apr 10 2017 - 16:43
- f1ski
  
  Posts: 726
  did it not occur to u that the team kept him out there to be in front of hamilton after his stop.Had kimi driven as hard as he is able he may have come out in front of lewis
  + 0
  
  Apr 12 2017 - 01:47
Xtreme

Posts: 53
mobile.twitter.com(...)/851107118199562240
- + 0
- Apr 11 2017 - 12:33