Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne has told Kimi Raikkonen that he needs to show that he deserves another season at Ferrari.
After a good start to the campaign, results have not gone Raikkonen’s way as of late. As it stands, Raikkonen’s current Ferrari deal is up at the end of the season and his future with the Scuderia is up in the air.
After a retirement in Australia, the Finn bounced back to finish 2nd in Bahrain. He followed that up with podiums in both Russia and Spain. Raikkonen did not finish the Monaco Grand Prix and struggled to match teammate Sebastian Vettel in both Montreal and Baku.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Marchionne’s view point was clear. The 2007 champion must show he is deserving of a drive with Ferrari next season.
“It is up to him,” said Marchionne. “Kimi’s time with Ferrari will depend on his performance. He has to show he deserves to stay here, otherwise I think he won’t want to continue here as well. There will come a day when I will leave as well.”
Reports have linked Ferrari with former academy driver Sergio Perez who has been impressive this season with Force India. Perez cut his Ferrari ties back in 2013 when he signed for McLaren.
Perez has finished on the podium twice this season in Monaco and more recently in Baku. The Mexican is currently 8th in the Drivers’ Championship.
