Ferrari, Vettel would have insisted on Raikkonen's confirmation

The renewal of the contract Kimi Raikkonen, announced before the Silverstone GP, the Finn's hundredth race in Ferrari, divided enthusiasts and supporters of the Prancing Horse. On the one hand, those who hoped for the renewal of Iceman, the last World Champion in Ferrari and making a clear recovery in the current season. On the other, those who would have preferred to retire the Finn to focus on a younger and more "hungry" rider, like the Mexican Sergio Perez.

The Force India driver seemed to be the candidate with the most chance of landing in Maranello, especially after the excellent performances obtained in the first part of the 2016 season. But in the end, the path of continuity prevailed in the Italian team. “I'm not surprised – said Sergio Perez to Auto Motor und Sport, regarding the renewal of the contract between Kimi and Ferrari – I expected they would confirm it. But life goes on. I will continue to prove that I am ready for a top team. The best teams look for other things, like stability and peace in the team.”

And it is precisely the continuity within the team that is one of the reasons that pushed the Cavallino management to confirm the 2007 Champion. But according to the English newspaper The Times, there is more. It would have been the same who put pressure on the team for Raikkonen to be confirmed Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari driver since 2015 and a long-time great friend of the Finn.

The Times also reports a statement allegedly released by a source close to Maurice Arrivabene, who claims that Vettel's intervention influenced the team's decision. “It's a shame none of the youngsters got a chance, but we know why, don't we? Sebastian is the reason. "

Regardless of the truthfulness of these statements, it is objective that in 2016 Raikkonen had the best start to the season since returning to Ferrari. Currently, after 10 races, Iceman has reached the podium four times, scoring 106 points. Which allow him to place himself in third position in the Drivers' classification behind only Mercedes. It's the same Sergio Marchionne, a few weeks ago, declared that Kimi's possible renewal would depend above all on results on the track.

Lorenzo Lucidi