Raikkonen sees 'a combination of many things' behind Ferrari's strength

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Kimi Raikkonen believes that Ferrari's overall strength this season is rooted in a series of factors, and not just linked to the improvements centered around its power unit.

Upon the conclusion of the first half of the 2018 season last weekend in Hungary, Mercedes head into the summer break with a short ten-point lead over the Scuderia in the Constructors' championship.

Ferrari has enjoyed a boost in its performance lately however, thanks to some impressive gains achieved by the Italian squad's engine department.

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Raikkonen insists however that Ferrari has improved this season thanks to "a combination of things", and the Finn hopes progress will remain steady as the Scuderia battles to bring the world title back to Maranello.

"We have a decent car, we keep improving things," said Raikkonen, who has stepped up on to the podium eight times this season but has yet to secure an outright win, while team mate Sebastian Vettel's victory tally currently stands at four.

"It’s a lot to do with the feel, how you feel the car and tyres and all these things.

"Obviously some circuits are better, some conditions are better for one team than other, and I think we’ve been pretty okay most of the places. I think a lot of things will be falling in the right places."

"There’s still things to improve for us as a whole team, but that’s never-ending," he added.

"It doesn’t matter, even if you win all the races there’s always things to improve. That kind of area in this sport will never stop and I don’t think you are ever good enough in many ways."

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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.