The Italian press has gone on the offensive against Ferrari, slamming the Scuderia for treating Kimi Raikkonen as a blatant number two driver.
For veteran journalist Pino Allievi from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Raikkonen, who is performing better this year behind the wheel of the team's new SF71-H, is a mere pawn in Ferrari's game to protect and favour Sebastian Vettel
"With the pitstop, Ferrari 'used' Raikkonen to slow down Bottas and promote Vettel," he wrote, referring to the Sucderia's Chinese Grand Prix flagrant race strategy and tactics.
"For years we've criticised Raikkonen, but at the beginning of 2018, he is showing a different spirit and making us remember the champion. Ferrari should have noticed this too," Allievi wrote.
"Instead, Kimi is penalised through strategy and considered by the team as a mere support for Vettel.
"It's a mistake that can only affect the morale and the performance of the driver," he concluded.
Allievi's distinguished colleague Andrea Cremonesi warns the inner-team antics could soon adversely impact the Scuderia's balance.
"With Raikkonen treated as such, I wonder how long the Ferrari team can remain in harmony."
The Finn himself, while not looking particularly ecstatic on the podium last Sunday, is unsurprisingly mum on the subject.
"I don't know," he said when asked about his race strategy. "I think the race was ok."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…