Preservation of team spirit behind Raikkonen retainment - Arrivabene

Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene justified the extension of Kimi Raikkonen's contract by the will to preserve Ferrari's collective team spirit.

Raikkonen prolonged his lease with the house of Maranello for one more year just before the Belgian Grand Prix, while team mate Sebastian Vettel was confirmed for three more years shortly after.

Arrivabene sees both deals as logical and obvious decisions based on the Scuderia's best interest.

"The reason why I think is quite clear," he said.

"They went through the last three years with great co-operation within them. They feel very good together, being part of the team and translating this spirit to the overall team, I think we don't find any reason why not confirming them together."

Vettel: 'plenty of positives' despite Monza setback

Raikkonen claimed his last F1 win in 2013, in Melbourne with Lotus. The Finn is no longer seen as the blindingly fast driver he was once perceived to be, and Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne even labeled him a 'laggard' earlier this season.

But Arrivabene has no doubts in Raikkonen's ability to perform, and dreams of seeing Kimi once again in the winner's circle.

"He demonstrated that he could be capable to do it in Monaco," says the Ferrari manager.

"Also in Hungary he was nearly there. I would be happy if Kimi is going to win a race during the course of this season.

"For me, it could be a dream, because he was working so hard during the last three years and I think if he is going to win I can be happy."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

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

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.