Raikkonen wants Ferrari drive beyond 2017

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Kimi Raikkonen has expressed his will to remain in Formula 1 and with Ferrari beyond the current 2017 season.

It's obviously early days still but the 2007 world champion who is now 37-years-old has been performing on a good level since last season, on a par with his successful team mate Sebastian Vettel although the latter easily dominated the Finn in Australia.

Ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand prix, Speed Week quotes Raikkonen as saying: "As long as I enjoy driving and my services are desired, I will stay in Formula 1."

'Services desired' may be the key words as Raikkonen may have to contend with the fast-moving Antonio Giovinazzi.

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The Scuderia's reserve driver impressed on his Grand prix debut in Melbourne when he substituted at Sauber for an unfit Pascal Wehrlein and will have another chance in China to showcase his talent.

Many are suggesting that Ferrari are merely grooming the 23-year-old Italian for a full-time drive at Maranello next season.

With Vettel's contract expiring at the end of 2017 and with Mercedes expected to make a push for the German, Raikkonen could perhaps still entertain the thought of having his stay at Ferrari extended if his team mate jumps ship.

Regardless of how events unfold, the Finn, who is also the oldest driver on the F1 grid, will have to pull out all the stops this year if he wants to stay draped in red in 2018.

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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.