On the morning of Friday free practice, Ferrari surprised the Formula 1 community with the announcement that they are retaining the services of Kimi Raikkonen for 2017. Many thought that this would be the Finnish driver’s final year in the sport. He spent the last two full seasons lagging behind his teammates. Turning 37 this year, he is considered near the end of his shelf life. So why are Ferrari keeping Raikkonen?
Why are Ferrari keeping Kimi Raikkonen?
First of all is the fact that Raikkonen’s performances this season have been more equal to his teammate than the last two seasons. He is currently on the same number of championship points as his fellow Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel. He has also been on the podium in four of the nine races.
Second of all is the harmony that both Vettel and Raikkonen as teammates bring into the team. It is public knowledge that they are good friends off track. It’s a comfortable option to keep two drivers that get on and work well together, especially when compared to the intense fractious relationship of the Mercedes team at the moment.
The third reason, and arguably the most important, is who Ferrari are seeking to replace the “Flying Finn”. A few weeks ago, many critics were suggesting that Red Bull‘s Daniel Ricciardio would replace Raikkonen, but then the Milton Keynes outfit confirmed that they had extended the Australian’s contract to the end of the 2018 season. Ricciardio’s current teammate, Max Verstappen, was another name floated about the end of last year. His promotion from Toro Rosso has put an end to any suggestions that he would be heading to Maranello. Verstappen’s former team-mate, Carlos Sainz Jr, was another potential target. His contract extension for another season ends speculation on the Spaniard going to Ferrari.
Two podiums, in Monaco and Baku, seemed to propel Force India‘s Sergio Perez to the head of the rumour mill. However, this weekend’s announcement has shown that either he wasn’t available, or that Ferrari don’t rate the Mexican.
Who will replace Raikkonen in the future?
Ferrari may still look at Ricciardio. They will be waiting to see what happens in 2017, as the new regulations come into play. If Red Bull are not competitive enough, there may be a get out clause for the Australian. Sainz Jr will be available by 2018. Haas’ connection to Ferrari sees both of their current drivers linked to Ferrari. However, the current line up isn’t an attractive option. Esteban Gutierrez has only scored once in 47 races, and isn’t highly regarded among the top critics in the sport. His team-mate, Romain Grosjean, is a solid driver, who has good experience. However, he will be turning 32 by the start of the 2018 season.
The Mercedes drivers are potential targets too. With Lewis Hamilton on a lucrative contract until the end of 2018, then the expense to tempt the Briton away may be a bit too much. Nico Rosberg would be the preferred choice for value. The fact, however, that this would mean pairing two Germans in the proud Italian team. This may not sit well with the Tifosi.
It appears keeping Raikkonen for one more year is more to due to lack of drivers available to replace the Finn, than his improved performance of late. Ferrari will need to be careful though they don’t leave it too late to change things, otherwise they may find themselves with less options available in the future.
