'Small things' will decide Ferrari-Mercedes battle - Raikkonen

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Kimi Raikkonen believes the devil will be in the details when it comes to who between Ferrari and Mercedes will end up on top at the end of the 2017 season.

While the Finn has yet to win a race this season - and collect his first victory since Australia in 2013 - Ferrari has won four times this year courtesy of Sebastian Vettel.

The Scuderia took advantage of Mercedes' early season inconsistent performance caused by tyre management to run clear of its rival in the Constructors' standings, but the German outfit as fought back and regained part of its lost ground.

The championship and the tight battle between the two frontrunners resumes at Spa at the end of the month, and Raikkonen believes the final stint of the campaign will see an advantage handed to one or the other, depending on the circuit, and the smaller details.

"It depends on which tyres we have, what weather conditions we're going to face, lots of things, small things that make a difference," Raikkonen explained.

"We'll see what happens in Spa, but if you look at it now, it's not going to be as easy for us there as it was in Hungary. We obviously try to improve and hope to be quick there too."

Raikkonen has the speed, but longs for results

The 2007 world champion is forecasting a fierce final leg of the season, and while he is confident that Ferrari will continue to strengthen its SF70H, it also needs to step up its performance in qualifying if it wants a chance to keep the Silver Arrows at bay.

"For sure there are some circuits that suit us better," he said.

"There are areas where we have to improve, especially in qualifying, where Mercedes has better horsepower, but it depends on many things.

"You cannot purely look at the layout of the circuit and say "this is going to be good for us" or "this is going to be good for them."

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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.