Raikkonen: 'You don't get worse in just a few sessions'

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Kimi Raikkonen is at a loss to understand why he has been struggling in qualifying lately but the Ferrari driver insists his team and himself are working on the problem.

Raikkonen enjoyed a strong start to his 2018 season, but for several race weekend's in succession now, the Finn has failed to produce a clean lap in Q3, his efforts often thwarted by errors that have left him well behind Scuderia team mate Sebastian Vettel in terms of performance.

"I don't know why it's been more difficult in the last qualifying sessions compared to the first ones, but we are working to improve the situation," he said at Paul Ricard.

"You do not get worse in just a few sessions."

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The 38-year-old's future at Ferrari is in jeopardy, with talented rookie Charles Leclerc expected to move from Sauber to Maranello next season.

Raikkonen denies however that a return to form and an outright win - his first since 2013 - would have a major impact on his driving or state of affairs.

"It does not affect the way I drive," he said.

"I've already won in the past and I don't see why I can't win again. Ok I haven't won for a while, but when you win, you're not a different driver."

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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.