Sebastian Vettel Wants Kimi Raikkonen to Remain With Ferrari Next Season

Kimi Raikkonen is going through a rough patch and his Ferrari future looks quite uncertain. However, his good friend Sebastian Vettel has a word of encouragement for the Finn, saying he still wants Raikkonen to remain his partner next season. (Raikkonen Has Lost the Edge, Says David Coulthard)

"Obviously I'd like to continue with him. We have an excellent relationship and we motivate each other, but it's not for me to decide and I don't know the details," Vettel was quoted as saying by Sky Italia.

Ferrari may extend Raikkonen's contract but a call will be taken based on his performances at the end of the current season. Vettel hopes the team management will consider his overall performance.

"Kimi will soon return to being the driver we all know. He is going through a season of ups and downs, but we are talking about a talent that can do his job to perfection. It's true that this year he has made some small mistakes, but in certain circumstances he was also unlucky, so I think the situation should be considered in proportion," Vettel said. (Ferrari Have no Sympathy for Red Bull Exit Threats)

Raikkonen, the 2007 champion, has had a torrid time in the middle so far, with just one-podium finish. The Finn has struggled since his return to Ferrari in 2014. He finished 12th with no podiums last year.