Raikkonen: 'Relationship with Vettel based on friendship, not politics'

Kimi Raikkonen says he's developed over the years a solid relationship with Ferrari team mate Sebastian Vettel, with friendship rather than politics at the forefront of their healthy association.

Raikkonen and Vettel are in their fourth season together at Ferrari, and while the Finn has yet to secure a win since rejoining the red squad in 2014, his efforts this season have yielded eight podiums, more than half of which were achieved consecutively in the last five races.

That still falls short of Vettel's four wins in 2018, but the Iceman is hopeful of prolonging his lease with the House of Maranello and remaining alongside a man who often praises Raikkonen's contribution.

• Ferrari boss Camilleri ready to 'contribute' to talks with Liberty

"It's better than if he would say that I'm an idiot! Actually, he says that also, but more rarely...," joked the Finn in an interview with Germany's Sport Bild.

"Seriously, we have always got along well. With him there are no politics or other bullshit but a totally normal friendship.

"He is very straight forward and hasn't changed with his success. Even when we sometimes crashed, it's not a topic anymore after we talked about it.

"Also after our crash in Singapore 2017 there were neither discussions nor silence. He is a guy who can admit that it was his mistake and I'm the same.

"It is much better to work in this nice atmosphere. That also makes the car quicker than if we would be at war with each other," added Raikkonen.

"We both have the same aim: make Ferrari the world champion. We complete each other very well in our ways to push the team."

Raikkonen's future is pretty much out of his hands, but reports out of Italy suggest that a change of the guard at Maranello following Sergio Marchionne's passing could see the 38-year-old remain in a seat that could also be attributed to the mercurial Charles Leclerc.

"Of course I would like to stay, but it's Ferrari's decision alone," said Raikkonen.

"I'm waiting just as much as you are.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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