Former double World Champion Mika Hakkinen is undecided as to whether his countryman Kimi Raikkonen can bounce back and bridge the performance gap which currently separates the Ferrari driver from his team mate Sebastian Vettel.

While Vettel has clinched three victories this season and a further ten podiums, his Scuderia counterpart has only twice enjoyed a top 3 finish, visibly struggling on pace compared to Vettel.

In 2014, Raikkonen had already been subjugated to Fernando Alonso's authority, finishing some 105 points behind the Spaniard in the championship.

Yet, following an extensive review of his performances, Ferrari top brass decided over the summer to extend Raikkonen's contract into 2016, but it remains to be seen how the 36-year-iold and 2007 World Champion can step up his game.

"That's a very good question, and one which is worth asking Kimi himself," Mika Hakkinen told Finnish paper Ilta Sanomat.

"There is definitely no easy answer. I think if Kimi knew it already, he would be faster already."

Brazilian Grand Prix - Driver ratings

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for a more light-hearted look at the Brazilian Grand Prix

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

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

7 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

8 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

9 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

12 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago