Raikkonen - Ferrari only to get stronger in 2018

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Despite its recent setbacks and reliability woes, Ferrari will only get stronger next season says Kimi Raikkonen.

The Scuderia endured a disastrous Asian leg marked by accidents and engine failures which have practically crushed Sebastian Vettel's hopes of fighting Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton down to the wire.

The Italian squad isn't writing off its title hopes just yet, and Raikkonen, who has yet to win a race this year, believes the team's reversal in fortune will be short-lived.

"Of course we would like a one-two in every race," the Finn told La Gazetta dello Sport.

"But success depends on a lot of things and also the opponents.

"This year we clearly went in the right direction, doing a good job over the winter. And I am sure that we will be even stronger next year," he added.

Vettel hasn't given any thought to retiring

The 2007 world champion saw his lease with the House of Maranello recently extended, and he welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Vettel for another year.

"We have a good relationship and that helps us to tackle the problems and solve them together for the benefit of the team," said Raikkonen.

"We met almost as soon as he came into Formula 1 and became friends. But of course on the circuit we want to beat each other."

Raikkonen, a veteran of 15 seasons and 267 Grands Prix in F1, said he is not planning for the day he will eventually retire.

"Generally I have no plans even for next week," he smiled.

"Perhaps afterwards I will do rallies for fun. Driving and competition are the only reasons I'm still in Formula 1," Raikkonen explained.

"I still have a feeling that I can win races and fight for the championship."

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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.