One more year for Kimi?

I actually think it was Kimi gathering as much data for this years car. Don't get me wrong, with last years car he couldn't keep up with Alonso regardless, but I don't think he (and Ferrari) saw the point in trying to get an extra point but by doing so waste the opertunity to get more meaningful data.

 

Oh, but I do agree on this indeed, William, no problem. I've read the articles in the Italian press yesterday; I have to admit that my Italian is certainly not fluent, but what I have understood is that it was his pace during all practice sessions and his agression in race, especially during the first lap in China, that convinced Ferrari's management to exercise the option they have.

I think that he still "has it" somehow, and certainly this year's car suits him much better than last year's one, so the guy is more confident and it shows: he still has some race pace. Furthermore: the pairing with Vettel seems to be rather harmonious; there is no "Top Gun" easily available (unless Fernando and McLaren...well!) and no young promising guy that could replace Bianchi.
And even if I have no doubt that Kimi is probably not easy to manage, he does not make his anger public, nor does he play machinations against anyone: the Scuderia seems satisfied with this, so they will exercise their option for one more year, opting for a little stability (why not, after all the changes at the end of last year).
Now it's up to Kimi to repay them back with one win or two; my impression is that one or two wins will probably come; perhaps not through outstanding blazing speed as in 2005, but the racecraft is still here.
Leave him alone, he knows what he is doing.

Rgds

 

Isn't Bottas Massa's team mate? And Massa is currently showing him up ... his career is now almost over IMO.
Pete

 

Unless Bottas dominates Massa the shine of last year will be gone. His back injury is not something that will be a benefit either. That type of injury young is never a good thing. 2 or 3 more races of being 10 sec behind Massa and Bottas will not be 'flavor of the month'. All too often we and the press rush to say someone is the next Senna, Schumi etc. Bottas is solid but is he the next F1 god....not in my opininon. Id take Ricciardo over him currently.

 

Agree
Pete

 

But a clear #2 who is consistent, without a big mouth is what Ferrari needs after kimi.

If they get someone that will push Vettel in a title season you get the same suit that's happened between senna/prost and what's now happening with hamilton/rosberg

 

Kimi Raikkonen says Ferrari F1 environment feels better than ever - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com

 

I would be happy with another year of Kimi. He is a good driver. No longer a great driver, but very solid. Ferrari couldn't do better with finding a guy to put in the second seat.

 

I like Kimi. For the moment I think he is the best second driver for Ferrari. He will contribute a lot of contractors point to the team.

 

I don't think he's being blown away. It's not that bad. He's had some bad luck, but he's just 1-2 places behind Vettel. Last year however, he was blown away by Alonso.

And yes, i think and I hope he will stay.

 

I have to say that I agree with everything you said. I am really happy having these two drivers and our current crew and team. We have not had this type of energy in our team for a very long time. I have not seen Kimi smile so much and I am very impressed and I too dismiss last season. I am also happy that the rumors about how hard Vettel works are true, and that he is doing it for us now. I have taken right to both of these drivers and our new boss and engineers and crew and they are working so well with our guys and gals and we are seeing progress on the track right before our eyes for the first time in years.

For me, it is excellent news that Kimi will stay with us another year. I don't want to break up this team in any way or fashion. Kimi has been working harder too because he is happy and as I pointed out to my husband, all this harmony is what allows us to move forward faster. This is just great news.

 

I'd love to see Ricciardo join Ferrari and do what he did to Vettel again. THEN Vettel would retire early.

 

The Hulk deserves a seat in a good car. Max would be cool too.

 

Can you imagine? Barring unforeseen dilemmas, Max still has 20+ more years as an F1 driver. Good for him!

As for Kimi, I'm confident he will be on the podium soon. He's had a streak of bad luck beyond his control.

 

Kimi Raikkonen contract extension depends on performance - Maurizio Arrivabene

Kimi says its up to the team......not really.

 

Kimi is stealing a paycheck. It's that simple. Crushed by Alonso and 0 for 4 against Vettel this year. The excuses have ALL worn thin.

 

Kimi won't even be a good number 2 until he starts stealing points away from drivers who matter. Finishing 4th won't cut it.

 

Me too But it will never happen But Bottas is a good bet

 

They could get hulk for half the money

 

I like him too - He would make a great #2

 

Well said.

The Ferrari is doing well this year because they have a team, not a polarizing driver. The Ferrari guys grinning when Alonso walks by with a dead car shows how well he got along with the guys in the Garage....

 

Lol what?

I suggest you actually WATCH the races and see what went on!

Australia: Hit by Sauber in opening lap (NOT Kimi's fault). drops to last, recovers very well and was in a fight for 4th until the tire man didn't secure tire.

Malaysia: Hit by another Sauber, drops to last. Idiot drivers not making up speed behind SC. Still recovered to 4th.

Shanghai: Not hit by anyone, less preferable strategy but was close behind Vettel the entire race. Closed the gap and might have had a chance to pass Vettel if it wasn't for the SC finish.

Vettel is on a 50m a year contract, Kimi on less than half that. In all likelyhood he's the #2 driver. Looks to me he's doing exactly just that? Finishing right behind his teammate when it didn't go wrong, and the other two races showing he definitely did have the pace!

If he was performing like last year you had a point, but hés not, so you don't.

 

The only way to consistently get hit by middle of the pack drivers is to be a middle of the pack driver. Think about it.

Look, it can't ALWAYS be someone else's fault. Last year was so embarrassingly one-sided all we heard about was how the car was built for Alonso and Alonso manipulated the team so it was unfair to Kimi. This year the car is built to suit Kimi and he's the long-standing incumbent, yet he still can't keep up with his teammate.

Kimi is in the second fastest car in the field and can barely manage 4th place. The results are in. Kimi himself stopped caring a long time ago.

Ferrari would be better served hiring a number 2 with some upside.

 

This^^^^^ Kimi has been great this season. If it weren't for the team screwing him up in Aus and people crashing into him, his results this year would be much better. Let's face it, the car sucked last year, and the team was catering to Alonso, which was foolish. They seem to have their act together now, and Kimi is having fun. Oh, BTW, he's on the second row to start Bahrain. Give me a break!!!

 

Like I said, do yourself a favor and watch the races because your comments make you look like a fool.

Kimi has been hit twice in 3 races, there is NO denying that because parts flew of, tires where damaged and pitstops where made. In his one and only trouble free race this season he was RIGHT behind Vettel. So if Kimi ''barely finished 4th'' then Vettel barely finished 3rd as well.

Ignoring the last year comments, slightly irrelevant now.