Ferrari extends Raikkonen's contract for 2018

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, Hungarian Grand Prix
© XPB 

Scuderia Ferrari has renewed Kimi Raikkonen's contract for 2018, the company announced on Tuesday.

It was predicted earlier this month that the Italian outfit would likely extend its collaboration with the Finn for a fifth consecutive season.

Earlier in the season, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne urged Raikkonen to improve his performance and while the 37-year-old has yet to win a race this year, he has upped his game.

It was rumored that Sebastian Vettel requested that Raikkonen remain at Maranello in 2018 as a condition for the German to extend his own contract.

Today's news could be the prelude to a forthcoming announcement confirming Vettel's signing for next season.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter