Not just Bottas on Ferrari's short list - Arrivabene

Ferrari's well publicized stance on Kimi Raikkonen's future - with the Scuderia' s will to exercise the option on the Finn's services for 2016 clearly associated with his ongoing performance level - has put the rumor mill in motion regarding his eventual replacement.

While Ferrari is biding its time and assessing the situation on an ongoing process, sporting director Maurizio Arrivabene revealed that several drivers had approached the Scuderia lately, but that Williams' Valtteri Bottas, who is favored to replace Raikkonen, was just one name of several.

Speaking to the Gazzeta dello Sport, Arrivabene said: "If I gave you the list of drivers who have called me since the start of the season, Bottas is just one of many. The Ferrari is the car everyone dreams of driving, but there are only two seats and both are full."

Ferrari's top man was also asked if Red Bull's Daniel Riccardo, who is obviously disappointed with his own team's state of affairs and under-performance this year, had expressed any interest in visiting Maranello, Arrivabene said no.
But then added that, "Perhaps he does not have my number".

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Stella names rivals ‘a step ahead’ of McLaren after Bahrain

McLaren arrived in Bahrain for pre-season testing determined to defend its status as Formula 1’s…

7 hours ago

Hulkenberg says Audi’s rivals haven't 'pulled their pants down' yet

Nico Hulkenberg has given F1 fans a vivid image to ponder ahead of the 2026…

9 hours ago

Total mileage and fastest laps from F1 pre-season testing

Under the pale winter sun of Barcelona and the desert glare of Bahrain, George Russell…

11 hours ago

Remembering the man who conquered F1's most thrilling win

Peter Gethin, the man who secured perhaps the most thrilling win ever witnessed in Grand…

12 hours ago

Aston Martin’s nightmare: Honda owns up to power unit meltdown

Aston Martin engine supplier Honda has publicly conceded what the timing screens in Bahrain had…

13 hours ago

Piastri explains management shake-up ahead of 2026 F1 season

As the countdown to 2026 gathers pace, Oscar Piastri has reshuffled his inner circle –…

14 hours ago