Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Vettel keen on Raikkonen staying on at Ferrari

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With Kimi Raikkonen's future at Ferrari appearing more uncertain than ever, team mate Sebastion Vettel would welcome an extension of the Finn's contract with the Scuderia for 2016.

Raikkonen's performance this season has been anything but impressive, and while there has been the odd spark of genius here and there, doubts regarding his sustained presence in F1 are mounting.

BBC pundit and former driver David Coulthard chimed in yesterday, saying his former team mate at McLaren had lost his edge and that the time had come for Raikkonen to call it a day.

"I think it's time for change," Coultard said. "I'm not anti-Kimi at all, but having lived through that experience myself, there's a point in your career where you just stop getting better."

Sebastian Vettel on the other hand hopes the 2007 World Champion will be retained by Ferrari for 2016.

"Kimi will soon return to being the driver we all know," Vettel told Sky Italia. "He is going through a season of ups and downs, but we are talking about a talent that can do his job to perfection."

"It's true that this year he has made some small mistakes, but in certain circumstances he was also unlucky, so I think the situation should be considered in proportion. Obviously I'd like to continue with him. We have an excellent relationship and we motivate each other, but it's not for me to decide and I don't know the details."

Vettel and Raikkonen have enjoyed a friendly and close relationship for several years, indeed before they even became team mates at Ferrari in 2015. Unfortunately, it's doubtful Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene will take into account the German driver's preferences when the time comes to choose the man he shall be paired with next year.

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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.