Raikkonen Or Leclerc In 2019? 'I Like Kimi,' Ferrari’s Vettel Answers

After Lewis Hamilton’s contract saga at Mercedes finally came to an end Thursday when he signed a new two-year deal, the focus shifted, not that it was previously ignored, to the future of Sebastian Vettel’s teammate for 2019.

Kimi Raikkonen is currently occupying the second seat at Ferrari and has been since he rejoined the team in 2013. He was handed a one-year extension to his contract in 2017, but is yet to be handed a new deal for next season.

The Finnish racer made it clear earlier in the season he wishes to remain with the Maranello-based team for at least another year, but is now facing pressure from Charles Leclerc, who is being touted as a potential replacement after impressing in his debut F1 season with Sauber.

The Monegasque driver is part of the Ferrari academy, and is likely to occupy the seat next to Vettel sooner rather than later, but the question remains if he is ready to fill Raikkonen’s boots in 2019. The German, currently leading the Formula 1 Drivers’ championship, was asked his opinion on who he would like to partner next season.

Vettel, while making it clear the decision does not lie with him, admitted that if given a choice he will prefer Raikkonen as they share a very good relationship on and off the track. They have been teammates since the former Red Bull Racing driver joined the team in 2015, and despite the Finn not really challenging him on a regular basis, Ferrari have benefitted from a cordial working relationship between both their drivers.

“I like Kimi. I think we get along. We have never any issue. Sometimes on track. I remember I drove into him, crashed into him. But I think the way we handle things is very similar, very straightforward, so I think it’s great to work with and great for the team, but it’s not my decision so we’ll see what happens,” Vettel said, during Thursday’s pre-race press conference in Hockenheim, Germany.

The four-time world champion was full of praise for Leclerc, who Vettel believes will have a stellar career in the sport owing to his natural racing talent. But admits the 20-year-old Monegasque driver has time on his hands and advised him not to rush things.

“Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career. He is a great guy, he is fast, he's got everything. So yeah, definitely, he has no rush. He is young, but if you are young you are always in a rush with everything. I don't know,” Vettel added.

"I don't know when, what and ultimately who [will be his team mate in 2019] but it doesn't really matter to me. For me it is clear where I am next year, but I think both of them would suit the team."

Recent reports suggested Leclerc had already agreed a deal to join Ferrari in 2019, while Raikkonen was linked with a return to Sauber – the team where he started his F1 career 17 years ago.

Leclerc admitted it is flattering to see his name continually linked with a move to Ferrari, which is his ultimate dream, but made it clear during an interview on Thursday that there was no agreement with the Italian team thus far.

“No,” Leclerc said when asked if he knew where he would be driving next season. “I am extremely sorry to not bring anything new yet. I hope I will be soon, but for now I have no news.”

“It is always nice to see Ferrari and Leclerc in the same article, that will never change. But, on the other hand, for now there has been no talks [between Leclerc and Ferrari],” he added.