Salo: "No worthy replacement for Raikkonen"
- Published on 06 Jun 2017 11:00
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Former Formula 1 driver Mika Salo doesn't think there is a suitable replacement around for Kimi Raikkonen. The 2007 world champion is on a year-by-year contract with Ferrari and has been rumoured to be giving up his seat at the end of this year to allow someone new to come in.
Salo, who raced for Ferrari in 1999, says that the relationship between Sebastian Vettel and Raikkonen will be assessed along with the performances of the Iceman. It is known that the two get along extremely well.
"Ferrari will surely be considering the fact that Kimi and Sebastian Vettel continue to get along well with each other. I don't think there are any available really good guys who are able to do a better job than Kimi.
"Kimi was second in Monaco, but he is close to Vettel all the time. Vettel is of course already a lot of points ahead, but if Kimi gets a couple of wins, then it could completely change the situation."
Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz have been linked with a move to the Maranello based team, while Romain Grosjean moved to Haas in 2016 with the future goal of becoming a Ferrari driver. There are also rumours that there will be an evaluation on Raikkonen in Canada.
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (8)
Login to replytalktohenry
Posts: 362
Bull, Perez, would blow him out of the water, if Perez doesn't get the Ferrari drive, it's crazy...........
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
There are a couple of candidates but I would love to see Perez in the car also.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Nope; Don't agree mr Salo.
The lure of Ferrari is BIG and they have mega money. So here is my shopping list:
Ricciardo --> Verstappen seems to be the RB future
Hamilton --> Lure of Ferrari, Nice linkup
Perez, Hulkenberg --> Both drivers are capable
and maybe:
Gio --> was always quick in F3 but limited F1
But the bigger question: Where are the Ferrari development drivers?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Agree on Ricciardo, Perez and Hulkenberg, and would probably add Ocon and Sainz to the list. But Hulkenberg is officially committed to Renault, and Hamilton would be mad to give up his seat at Mercedes. I also doubt RB would let Ricciardo go. Giovinazzi look promising, but I dont think he is ready for a Ferrari seat.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
@CALLE.ITW
Agree on most points, just don't rate Sainz as high, Ocon is still limited with F1 experience. Ferrari has not gone for those kind of drivers lately. Eddie Irvine was the last of that was unproven / without WC. I just think that if Ferrari are willing to give mega bucks for Ric RB would release. Maybe Hamilton would do it out the Lure of Ferrari and Merc seems to be on a down going phase.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Why not? Sainz has proven to be more than adequate, and he is well rounded enough. I think he could be a good addition to a top team. As for Ocon: yes, he is new, but that hasnt really been an issue for him. He has been here in less than two years and is already that competitive. I think he can be ready, given the right guidance. Although would Mercedes let him go? Its true that Ferrari hasnt gone for such drivers historically, but such things can change. Well yes, money talk, but Ricciardo doesnt seem willing to move team currently, and I think Ferrari will be gunning for other drivers before him. That may be, but I doubt it would benefit him. He would go from a team he has marked as his own and which prioritize him to a team marked by and built around Vettel. I dont think it'd make sense for him to go there, and I dont think it would benefit him.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Kimi has been a second tier driver for a few years now. There are PLENTY of drivers who could make Ferrari more competitive in the constructors championship. My views on the candidates are these:
- Ricciardo: I don't think Vettel would allow it or that Ferrari would want two drivers where there isn't a clear #2.
- Verstappen: No way Red Bull would let him go.
- Hamilton: Just no. Would make no sense
- Hulkenberg: Committed to Renault
- Grosjean: Too late. The window is now closed
- Giovonazzi: Sadly, Ferrari don't take risks with drivers even with a promising young talent
- Perez: Perhaps. Definitely has the skills and shown real potential. I just don't think Ferrari would do it. For the same reason Real Madrid doesn't acquire certain players that don't fit their ehmm... 'brand'
- Sainz: I think he's the prime candidate
- Alonso: lol no
- Bottas: I think he's still earning his seat for 2018 with Mercedes. I don't think there would be a more seamless replacement for Raikkonen. Bottas is fast, but not top tier. Assertive but not confrontational. He's another finnish. If Mercedes don't keep him I would put my money on him going to Ferrari. Then I could dream about Alonso going to Mercedes!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Sums it up quite nicely. Im really curious on whom Ferrari will pick, because I think Ferrari has already decided on kicking Kimi after this season no matter how good he perform from now on.