Raikkonen confident Ferrari strategy was right

Kimi Raikkonen says having a two-strategy at the Italian Grand Prix was the fastest for Ferrari, though the Finn adds that it cannot be pleased with third and fourth at the flag.

Having started on the supersoft tyre - while the Mercedes drivers were on softs -, Raikkonen ran in third for most of the race at Monza. The 2007 world champion and team-mate Sebastian Vettel stopped twice and were leapfrogged by a recovering Lewis Hamilton on a one-stopper.

“I think it was the fastest way from start to finish for us,” Raikkonen said in response to questions about his team’s two-stop strategy. “It was not enough for a better result but at least we have given [Mercedes] something to think about.

“Personally, I expected them to be even stronger in the race so I think in a way it was OK. Obviously, third and fourth is not what we are looking for but that’s what we got.”

After slipping behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ championship over the summer, Ferrari has shown improved pace in Belgium and Italy, with the Maranello-based outfit also introducing a power unit upgrade at his home event.

“This is so far the best [engine] that we have had and it was a good choice,” Raikkonen added. “The last few weekends, it looks like we have been going in the right direction again so we have to keep that up and keep doing our maximum and then see what it brings.”

REPORT: Rosberg wins at Monza to cut Hamilton gap to two points

COMMENT: McLaren's 2017 driver line-up: A stroke of genius?

Silbermann says ... Mad about Max, Monza and Massa

Claire Williams on Felipe Massa and 2017 driver plans

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter