Raikkonen: 'Everything is fine' with Ferrari president Marchionne

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Kimi Raikkonen says that "everything is fine" in his relationship with Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne following questions about the Finn's under-performance this season.

Raikkonen has been outpaced by team mate Sebastian Vettel since the season got underway in Melbourne, with the German clinching two wins in the first three races.

Marchionne commented after Raikkonen's disappointing performance in China, and urged Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene to "have a talk" with the 2007 world champion.

But Raikkonen is playing down the situation, claiming to have no troubles with Ferrari's top brass while also admitting he needs to perform better.

"As far as I have spoken to our president, everything is fine," he said.

"I know some things were said and written, for me I read so many nonsense stories in newspapers and on the web.

"I trust much more how my relationship is with the team or with him.

"I expect from myself a good result... if other people are not happy that is fine because I'm not either so it's not really a big deal for me."

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Raikkonen's contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the current year, and renewal negotiations typically take place over the summer.

At 38-years-old however, and with the Scuderia eyeing several young talents, doubts have emerged over the Finn's chances of remaining at the House of Maranello.

"When it comes to my future I don't know," he added.

"There are always a lot of talks over the years, my first thing is I want to do well.

"We'll see what happens after this year, it is definitely not the first thing in my mind, it is to do well here and in the next race.

"Let's see what the future brings, I have a good relationship with my team and it depends on many things."

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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.