Official: Ferrari retains Kimi Räikkönen for 2016

Shortly before the summer break, some media outlets were confidently announcing that an agreement had already been signed between Scuderia and Valtteri Bottas to replace Kimi Räikkönen.

They are therefore contradicted today since Ferrari has decided to exercise the option that expired on July 31 to retain their latest world champion. The latter can only be delighted to extend his F1 career: « For me, being able to stay one more year with Ferrari means the dream continues. The Scuderia is my family. As I have always said, this is where I want to end my career. I am more motivated than ever and I want to thank those who give me this chance. »

It is therefore the choice of stability that the leaders of Maranello have made, allowing them to continue benefiting from the services of two world champions, who also have the advantage of getting along very well.

Nevertheless, Maurizio Arrivabene makes it clear that results will need to follow: « We think that extending Kimi’s contract for next season will bring more stability to the team. That has been our approach, especially considering the very good relationship between Kimi and Seb. On our part, it shows our great confidence in him and I expect this confidence to be rewarded. »

The financial statement is, in fact, clearly in favor of the German who has two wins and 160 points, while the Finn has to settle for second place and 76 points. The 2007 world champion will therefore need to find the key, especially in qualifying, to raise his level of play.

In these conditions, we can expect Valtteri Bottas’s extension with Williams to be announced very soon since each party represents the best interest for the other. The eyes of the transfer market should now turn towards McLaren…

With the participation of www.Racingbusiness.fr