Kimi Raikkonen’s new Scuderie Ferrari deal is most likely a precursor to Sebastian Vettel also staying with the Maranello team for the 2018 Formula One season. That is the view of former F1 driver Mika Salo, speaking after his Finnish countryman Kimi Raikkonen’s new contract for the next championship, which has been officially confirmed by Scuderia Ferrari on Tuesday.
“This was the expected news.” – said Mika Salo, who raced for Scuderia Ferrari almost 20 years ago, told the Finnish broadcaster MTV – “Ferrari had no better option. And Kimi would not have continued if he doesn’t believe his pace is still there.” – the former F1 driver explained.
Many insiders, including Mika Salo, also believe that Kimi Raikkonen staying with Scuderia Ferrari is a precursor to a new contract between the Maranello team and its de-facto ‘number 1’ driver Sebastian Vettel: “There’s not really any other place for Sebastian. And I believe Raikkonen staying was one of Vettel’s demands. They are a good pair.” – he added.
Mika Salo also said the fact Kimi Raikkonen new contract for the 2018 Formula One season has been agreed quite early is good news for the 37-year-old Finnish driver, who won the Formula 1 title with Scuderia Ferrari in 2007: “I hope he is able to be right there from the beginning of the season. For some reason, the Ferrari cars have not been great for Kimi from the very start of a season.” – Mika Salo added.
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