F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Marchionne: 'Raikkonen misconduct allegations won't affect contract'

Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne has defended Kimi Raikkonen, insisting allegations of sexual misconduct by the Finn will have no bearing on his contract with the Scuderia.

The 2007 world champion filed a complaint with the police in Montreal, claiming he is being harassed and threatened with blackmail by a Canadian woman alleging Raikkonen groped her in a bar where she was working as a waitress.

According to Autosport, the Ferrari drivers' legal team received a letter last month indicating that the woman would go public with the accusations unless she received a heft compensation to quietly settle the matter.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marchionne said the Finnish driver "is not involved in the least" in the case.

"Kimi has nothing to do with this story," he said.

"As to how it will affect his contract, then in any case they are two completely unrelated things," Marchionne added, amid rumours Raikkonen could switch from Ferrari to world rally for 2019.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.

Recent Posts

Silver Arrow’s sonic boom: Mercedes teases 2026 engine sound

Mercedes has given F1 fans a first taste of what the 2026 Silver Arrows will…

4 hours ago

Sainz pens heartfelt end-of-season letter to Williams staff

Carlos Sainz didn’t just walk away from his first season at Williams with results on…

6 hours ago

FIA publishes official 2026 F1 entry list and driver numbers

The FIA has officially rolled out the full entry list for the 2026 Formula 1…

8 hours ago

One final epic battle between Senna and Prost

Thirty-two years ago, F1 legends Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost enjoyed their final on-track battle…

9 hours ago

F1i's 2025 Driver Rankings: The grid's lower half

  Welcome to the side of the garage where the coffee is bitter and the…

10 hours ago

Ferrari reveals launch date for 2026 F1 car – and it’s coming fast

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed when the Scuderia will lift the lid on…

11 hours ago