McLaren not commenting on Raikkonen rumours
- Published on 28 Jun 2018 11:28
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- By: Danny Sosef
McLaren has sidestepped reports that Kimi Raikkonen might be in the team's sights for 2019. It is already rumoured that Daniel Ricciardo is being lined up as a potential replacement should 'number 1' Fernando Alonso leave at the end of the year.
Press Association is now reporting that former McLaren driver Raikkonen, who could be replaced at Ferrari by Charles Leclerc, is also in the frame.
A McLaren spokesperson said: "We don't discuss driver matters."
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Replies (17)
Login to replytalktohenry
Posts: 362
I think Kimi will be a mood swinger if he's not in a fast car, he won't cope with a slow car and won't have the right motivation in a Mc Laren, he's been around too long to mess about in midfield. FA is the only top driver who can make a slow car fast and keep motivated, his results against SV prove this.
Kean
Posts: 692
Red these reports yesterday, and the I can understand the Logic behind McLaren chasing Räikkönen - because they need an experienced driver. All these stories suggest that Alonso is leaving, so who will replace him? Ricciardo? I can't see him signing with struggling McLaren when Red Bull wants him to stay. Räikkönen? I just can't see him joining a struggling team. Looking up and down the grid, searching for experience the only driver I can see that can potentially fill that roll is Perez, given that Mercedes and Red Bull's line-up remains unchanged and Ferrari signs Leclerc and Räikkönen quits. Also, Hülkenberg would probably rather stay at Renault than join McLaren.
Mr.Useless
Posts: 18
actually, Kimi would be ideal for McLaren should Alonso leave - he would be ideal development driver, where he would give clear feedback on car characteristics - he is very sensitive that way, unlike Alonso, who can tolerate a donkey of a car. Also, he is still pretty quick - is is at worst, AT WORST, half a second slower than Seb, in a Ferrari with all the shenaigans they have there ( Kimi is a clear N2 driver ). Also, he is highly coy and quiet guy - he just drives. No Indy no Lemans no nothing - just give him a timetable, he will come and be fast. McLaren sign him!
Major Tom
Posts: 152
Both the Ferrari drivers are past it, Kimi most of all. Practically anybody would be better than them. However if they can't get Ricciardo (and I think he would be a fool to go even though RB will be using Honda next year) its difficult to see what other reasonably experienced driver is available.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Kimi will be frustrated and unmotivated at Mc I agree Perez would be the best option hes as quick as anyone. Kimi been around too long to mess about in the midfield and will only take the drive because he has no better option and or is desperate to stay in F1. Perez is the right man for the job.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Kimi? A guy already perpetually pissed off even though he has arguably the best car on the grid? A guy who is on average 4 tenths behind Vettel? Who regularly loses points due to mistakes? Not sure McLaren can afford that. As mentioned above I would choose Pérez first and I think they could actually get him.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I dont really think he is permapissed, unless maybe in the booze way, he is just so... lame? Yes lame. He isnt hsppy, sad or angry, he isnt good enough at racing or blocking. He is just there. Thats almost worse than being really shit.
dr002
Posts: 141
@Calle.itw, I agree!
Though it would be sad to see Kimi go. I'd rather see Kimi replace Ericsson, and see how Leclerc goes against Kimi, whilst allowing Leclerc to learn from Kimi and keeping Kimi close at hand within the Ferrari fold.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Kimi to Sauber? An interesting thought. Let him build up the Alfa Romeo team Ferrari desire. But I dont think they afford Kimi.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Poor choice for McLaren. They should be making most of every penny of your budget. Romain, Russell, even Antonio would be cheap and effective while the team rebuilds themselves from ashes. This is not the time to waste those euros.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
This could work. Kimi is just in it for the money. McLieren can give him thatand he get to build them up again.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
I'd say they be better of with Bottas. If Ricciardo goes to Mercedes. However bottas back to Williams might be good also. Not sure if any top drivers would sign with McLaren. Not sure what it says about Alonso keeping his McLaren drive.
Hepp
Posts: 200
@calle ... you know I like McLaren, and Fernando ... But ,,, REALLY ? , this is nonsense.
The only way Kimi moves to McLaren is if Ferrari pay him to so so AND his wife agrees !!! (LOL).
But think of the stories if Stoffel goes to Renault and we have Kimi and Fernando as team- mates.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Actually I had forgotten, will try to remember it next time. :) but think about it: at McLaren he can drive without the same pressure and headlines. If he must stay in F1, why not at McLaren?
Hepp
Posts: 200
I think this reporter started the rumour to keep his fingers busy ... any other clickers?
Note there are no reliable "sources" ?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its an industry rumor, and one with some degree of substance since Räi has been talking to McLaren people here and there as of late. Probably unlikely but wouldnt mind if it did happen.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
It’s probably just Räikkönen asking them what the s...t is going on with you guys, no way am I coming on board.
I’ve been a big McL fan for years but hey ho not much hope at the moment. They wouldn’t even be able to blame Honda this year if they had stuck with them. Sad.