Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has hinted that the team could make Sebastian Vettel its clear number one driver if the German sustains his title bid and Kimi Raikkonen continues to struggle.
Vettel is tied with Lewis Hamilton at the head of the drivers’ standings after two rounds and looks to have rediscovered his best form after a frustrating 2016.
By contrast, Raikkonen has endured a disappointing start to the season, proving no match for his team-mate in Melbourne before slumping to fifth last time out in Shanghai following a series of team radio outbursts.
The Finn’s early struggles have prompted suggestions that Ferrari may have to alter its present rules of engagement later in the season to ensure Vettel can take the maximum points.
Whilst Arrivabene insists it is too early to consider such action, he confessed that the team will consider imposing a clear hierarchy if necessary.
“We are at the early stage of the championship,” the Italian told Sky Sports F1. “In the future the drivers know the rules of engagement.
“I’m sure that if we find ourselves in the situation to fight for the championship – now is too early – then we will make a decision.”
CEO Sergio Marchionne also expressed concern over Raikkonen’s early form, and said the team will hold talks with the 2007 world champion in a bid to turn his fortunes around.
“Perhaps we need to sit down and discuss with Kimi, because today [during the Chinese Grand Prix] he seemed to have other things on his mind,” he said. “It was not his day. Was he tired?”
Should Ferrari take such action, it is likely that Raikkonen would be instructed to move over for his team-mate in a race situation.
The 37-year old, then, is under immediate pressure to up his game, particularly with Ferrari no doubt considering alternative options for the 2018 season.
