Maurizio Arrivabene says Ferrari is in “no hurry” to re-sign Kimi Raikkonen for the 2017 Formula One season, though the team principal describes the Finn as “a good team-mate” for Sebastian Vettel.
Raikkonen’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, with the 2007 world champion keen to extend his stay at Maranello. After two disappointing seasons, Raikkonen has delivered stronger results this year, scoring three podiums so far.
Asked whether the 36-year-old’s performances were sufficient to swing the decision, Arrivabene replied that Ferrari’s current focus was on beating Mercedes, not assessing its driver line-up.
“It is too early to talk about next season because the number of victories we have is still zero,” said the Italian team boss. “There is a long way to go.
“We are looking, we are not in a hurry and I must say that he is not in a hurry.”
Raikkonen’s Ferrari future could well hinge on the healthy relationship he enjoys with Vettel, as highlighted by his moving over to allow his team-mate to secure second place in last Sunday's European Grand Prix.
“Kimi is back on form and is fully concentrated on doing his job,” Arrivabene added.
“He demonstrated [in Baku] that he is a good team-mate for Sebastian but if you look at Kimi in a certain sector he was the faster one at one stage.”
Raikkonen, who eventually finished fourth in Azerbaijan, declared after the race he felt he had lost too much time in slowing down for Vettel, but added that he did not disagree with Ferrari’s orders given the fact he had to serve a five-second time penalty.
Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings
RACE REPORT: Rosberg cruises to victory in inaugural Baku race
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
