---
title: "Raikkonen states ‘small’ issues cost Ferrari in 2017"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/11/09/raikkonen-states-small-issues-cost-ferrari-2017/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Kyran Gibbons"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2017-11-09T15:02:09Z"
modified: "2017-11-09T15:02:09Z"
---

# Raikkonen states ‘small’ issues cost Ferrari in 2017

Kimi Raikkonen has highlighted that ‘small’ issues blunted Ferrari’s title bids in 2017 and has stated his intention of fighting for championship glory next season.

Mercedes has sealed both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles with two races to spare. Lewis Hamilton clinched a fourth drivers’ crown in Mexico, ending Sebastian Vettel’s championship aspirations.

Vettel’s bid to become Ferrari’s first champion since Raikkonen won his only title to date in 2007, was hindered by mechanical retirements in Japan and during qualifying in Malaysia. Vettel’s first lap collision with Max Verstappen and Raikkonen in Singapore ended another race prematurely.

Despite these issues, Raikkonen has suggested that the team has had a positive 2017 season.

“As a team, we have come a long way from year to year,” he noted. “From last year we made a good step, but obviously not to the extent that we want because as Ferrari we want to win both championships.

“We did have all the tools required this year, but we just need to tidy up a few issues and not make as many mistakes on both sides – not having issues as a driver or on the team’s side.

“Small things played a big part in who won the championship this year, but I think we have all the people, the tools and a great car with two races to go.

“Even though the championships are done, we still try to win races and then obviously start from zero next year.”

While Vettel is second in the standings, Raikkonen is 99 points adrift of his team-mate in fifth. While the Finn claimed his first pole position since 2008 at Monaco this year, he has failed to win a race while Vettel has claimed four victories.

Regardless, Raikkonen has stated his ambition to fight for a second world championship title in 2018.

“Obviously, I want to be fighting at the front every weekend next year,” he added. “I want to be able to fight for the championship.”