Kimi Raikkonen is not putting much credence in the current rumors about a bad relationship lingering at Ferrari between Sebastian Vettel and the Scuderia.
The announcement in May of Vettel's departure from Maranello at the end of the season took many by surprise.
Last week, the German driver revealed that he was informed of the team's decision by Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto over the phone, without an offer to the four-time world champion ever being tabled.
Vettel's comments contradicted the official narrative previously put forward by Binotto, and prompted pundits - including former F1 driver Mark Webber - to argue that the relationship had soured between team and driver.
But Raikkonen, who raced alongside his good friend Vettel at Ferrari from 2015 to 2018, doubts the atmosphere is as bad as people are making it out to be.
"I spoke to him last weekend quickly when we saw each other, I think it was before the start, and that's all that I know," Raikkonen said ahead of this weekend's Styrian GP.
"I don't know what is going on there, it's none of my business. I think it's unfair to comment if someone is treated badly or not, because I don't know what is going on.
"I doubt that they have as bad relationship as people are making out.
"Obviously sometimes it goes this way, that you leave the team, or choose to leave, whichever way it is. We'll see what happens in his future. You need to ask from him."
Raikkonen also challenged the notion that Ferrari would perhaps give preferential treatment to Charles Leclerc given that Vettel is no longer included in the Italian outfit's plans.
"I’m certain that they get exactly the same treatment, both of them," he said
"It’s in their benefit to try to get the best result in both cars so I don’t see why they’d do anything else."
"I wouldn't put too much saying how difficult it is right now after one race. It wasn't the most easy for [Alfa Romeo] either. I'm sure they can be much stronger than they were last weekend."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac (DNS) – N/A A stripped right-rear wheel nut on the grid condemned…
Oscar Piastri and Mark Webber have brought their management partnership to an end, with the…
True friendship among drivers is a rarity in Formula 1, or perhaps even an oddity.…
Liam Lawson is making a habit of punching above his weight, and Sunday’s Sao Paulo…
Ferrari left Interlagos with little to celebrate on Sunday, its two drivers scraping together a…
George Russell salvaged a fourth place finish in Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, but one…