Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne says the team is likely to retain Kimi Raikkonen for the 2018 season, with an announcement expected at September’s Italian Grand Prix.
Raikkonen’s future was cast into doubt at last month’s Austrian Grand Prix when Marchionne appeared to publicly question his commitment.
The Finn is 86 points behind team-mate Vettel in the standings but no clear alternative has emerged as the team is reluctant to upset a healthy inter-driver dynamic.
Vettel’s current deal also expires at the end of the year, but the German could well pen an extension in the summer break.
“I think I have been public on the Sebastian issue, if he wants to stay he is more than welcome to stay,” Marchionne told the press in Hungary.
“And in the case of Kimi, we are pretty sure… we know he wants to stay. Hopefully we will bring them on soon.”
Asked about Raikkonen’s chances of earning a new deal, he replied: “Probably better than 50 percent. We will see.”
Marchionne believes an announcement could be made at Monza, the team’s home race, but seemed in no rush to confirm its plans.
“I heard Maurizio [Arrivabene] was going to do that [announce the new contracts at the Italian GP]. I have no planned timing, it is early enough. This is the 11th race out of 20 so we have a lot of races to go.”
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has been tentatively linked with a move to Maranello, but Marchionne is not yet considering a swoop for the triple world champion.
“Ending his career with Ferrari would be a privilege, but until now we did not go very far with Lewis,” the 65-year old stressed.
“I will not talk about the future. And then we have two great drivers in the house and do not want to talk about alternatives.”
