Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

'Ferrari changes haven't changed me', says Raikkonen

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On the eve of his sixth season with Scuderia Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen admits he hasn't changed his approach to racing since the Italian outfit's own internal revolution at the end of 2014.

The 2007 World Champion endured a difficult campaign last year, having been dominated in both the speed and performance department by Sebastian Vettel, to the point where even his future at Maranello was called into question.

In the end, the Finn was awarded another year on his contract and is still aiming for outright success in Formula 1.

"I don't think it [the arrivals of Maurizio Arrivabene and Sebastian Vettel] changed my behaviour or driving but obviously it changed a lot the team," Raikkonen said during Ferrari's online team launch.

"Since Maurizio's arrival there has been change, which has been working very well with a change of atmosphere.

"We work as one unit, as one team and with Sebastian we have a good relationship. Obviously we try to beat each other, but it's been a very pleasant to work with both of them."

In typical Kimi restrained style, Raikkonen expressed his hopes of achieving success with the team's new SF16-H.

"It's a new year, a new car. It’s always exciting for the team to introduce a new car but more exciting for us as we get to drive it first.

"Obviously for myself, I want to do well, and win races and fight for the championship. But it's very early days as we haven't run the car yet. We'll see how we do in testing and go from there but I'm sure we'll be ready for the start of the year."

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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.