F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Marchionne unimpressed with Raikkonen form in China

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne is urging Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene to sit down with Kimi Raikkonen to discuss the Finn's disappointing level of performance.

Ferrari once again proved a major threat to Mercedes this weekend in China but Marchionne considers there is a clear gap in performance between Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

The latter was held up by his team mate in the Shanghai race and once he got past and enjoyed a clear road ahead, catching Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull was accomplished in no time.

"I talked about this with Maurizio," explained Marchionne after the race.

"Maybe they should sit around a table and he should talk to him. Today he seemed to be busy with other stuff. Vettel was more aggressive."

Marchionne believes the race would have enjoyed a very different complexion without the successive safety car periods which proved detrimental to Vettel.

"We are fighting with Mercedes. Without the safety car the story of the race should be different. I can confirm that our choice to change the tyres of Vettel was correct.

"It was a nice race, we arrived second, we are second in the constructors’ championship by one point and Seb has the same points as Hamilton. That’s not bad after two races."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Sunday in Shanghai

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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.

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