'Keep Kimi at Ferrari' petition: 75,000 signatures and counting!

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Die-hard supporters of Kimi Raikkonen are pulling out all the stops to keep their favourite driver at Ferrari next season, making their voice heard through an online petition.

The initiative was launched last week at Change.org and has collected to date approximately 75,000 signatures, urging Maranello to keep the 38-year-old Finn onboard for 2019.

"Kimi has outperformed Vettel a number of times proving he is back on form and his drive in Monza just adds more credibility to that," reasoned petition organiser Christy John.

Leclerc contract conundrum could force Ferrari to ditch Raikkonen

Up until the Italian Grand Prix it was anticipated that Raikkonen would indeed be remaining with the Scuderia alongside Sebastian Vettel, but rumors emerged in Monza that Ferrari would be forced to honour a previous contractual commitment to junior driver Charles Leclerc, a deal originally instigated by Sergio Marchionne.

As impressive as the petition's success appears to be, it's doubtful Kimi's fans will have the last word when it comes to Ferrari's 2019 line-up.

However, Italian media is reporting that there could ultimately still be hope for Raikkonen, whose performances of late have been quite positive as his pole position in Monza demonstrated.

Ferrari boss Louis Camilleri is rumored to have given his approval to a deal that would see Raikkonen remain in red next season while Leclerc would endure another year at Sauber, albeit with a nicely boosted salary.

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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.