Ferrari are poised to come out second best for second time in both world championship battles with Mercedes last season.
Kimi Raikkonen has moved and to defend his former boss Maurizio Arrivibane at Ferrari after Sebastian Vettel failure to win F1 world championship last season, according to Italian media.
Arrivibane had been heavily criticized after failing to improve Vettel’s form during the 2018 season. There had been speculation, that, amid Ferrari’s failing 2018 title campaign, he could lose his post as team boss. However, the 61-year-old man looks set to have his contract renewed at Ferrari in this year.
Speaking to media, Raikkonen said that the Italian is the right person to run Ferrari, and a boss to whom he owes a lot for his return.
“When I arrived there was Jean Todt at the head of the team, he remains a great character and a friend, even now playing a different role, Raikkonen said.
“Luckily we continue to see each other during the race weekends, it was fantastic. After him there were several team principals, I do not even know how many.
“Now with Maurizio Arrivabene, it is great moment, he is the right person to bring back the Ferrari the tem deserves, and I owe him a lot for my return.” Raikkonen added.
Arrivabene becomes Ferrari’s third chief in 2014, replacing Marco Mattiaci, just seven months after replacing Stefano Domenicali. Arrivabene joined from Philip Morris where he developed a close with the Scuderia with their cigarette sponsorship deal.
“I wish the team all the best, certainly some other driver will win. Maybe in the near future. Every result or record is not made last long, there will always be someone who can beat it. Life works like this.” Raikkonen said.
Charles Leclerc will replace Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2019 as Vettel’s new team-maate. But the Finn will be staying in F1 after signing a deal to rejoin Sauber.
Meanwhile, Leclerc is a Ferrari graduate who currently drives the Italian manufacture’s customer team Sauber after winning the F2 championship in 2017.
The real challenge for Arrivabene could be managing both of their drivers this season. Especially is Leclerc is as quick as everyone expects him to be.
