Raikkonen's Ferrari Future Remains Uncertain, Leclerc Agreement Talk Resurfaces

Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari future continues to remain in the balance after the Italian car manufacturer’s CEO Louis Camilleri confirmed the team were yet to make a decision about their 2019 lineup.

Sebastian Vettel is confirmed at Ferrari until 2020 but the identity of his teammate continues to remain a mystery. The Finn has been tipped to retain his seat but Charles Leclerc, the young rising star and Ferrari junior academy driver, is also in contention.

Raikkonen did not harm his chances of having his wish to stay at Ferrari for at least one more season fulfilled with a strong drive at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. After taking pole position with F1’s fastest ever lap Saturday, he drove almost a faultless race to finish second behind Lewis Hamilton, making it six podium finishes in the last seven races.

Vettel is keen for the Finn to remain his teammate in 2019 as he feels the Monegasque driver is still too inexperienced to make the switch from Sauber to the works Ferrari team. But the team were yet to make a decision and the CEO revealed there was no timeline in terms of when they will make an announcement.

“We have not taken a decision yet," new Ferrari CEO Camilleri said at Monza, as per Sky Sports. “When we take that decision, and there is no time frame, you will be the second to know."

"I know Kimi very well. He is a dear friend and has been for a long time. As for the decision making process, it is a team decision. Maurizio [Arrivabene] who is team principal will ultimately take the decision but he and I will discuss it, and once we are ready we will take it,” the Ferrari chief added.

However, according to German publication Auto Motor Sport Und, Ferrari are in a spot of bother when it comes to deciding Vettel’s teammate for 2019. The new hierarchy is said to be in favor of retaining Raikkonen for at least one more season, but the report claimed the team already have an agreement with Leclerc.

The agreement between the Sauber driver, who has impressed in his debut F1 campaign, is said to have been agreed during the reign of former CEO Sergio Marchionne, who unexpectedly passed away earlier in the year.

Ferrari are now at a crossroads in terms of their decision for 2019. Raikkonen, no doubt, gives them experience as they go about trying to end Mercedes’ dominance, while Leclerc is undoubtedly a fast driver, but has not experienced fighting at the sharp end of the grid and handling the pressure that comes with driving the red car.

If the team chooses to stick to their reported deal with Leclerc, it could be Raikkonen’s final season in Formula 1, but if they retain him for one more season, the Monegasque driver is expected to move to Haas to take Romain Grosjean’s seat.