Kimi Räikkönen to stay at Ferrari in 2016

For several months, the rest of the career of Kimi Räikkönen stirred up discussions within the paddock. Was the Finn going to stay with Ferrari for a third consecutive season? The various rumors, including the persistent one of Valtteri Bottas and Maurizio Arrivabene's statements, Team Principal of the Italian team, kept the suspense going for a long time.

Maranello finally put an end to speculation by confirming the presence of the 2007 World Champion in 2016 alongside Sebastian Vettel. « Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has renewed its agreement with Kimi Räikkönen. The line-up for the next season will still consist of the Finn and Sebastian Vettel. » indicates the press release published in the afternoon.

“What can I say... For me, being able to stay another year with Ferrari means that the dream continues, comments Räikkönen. The Scuderia is my family, as I have always said, this is where I want to end my career. I am more committed than ever and I want to thank the people who give me this chance. »

The Vettel – Räikkönen duo was formed this year after the arrival of the former driver Red Bull replacing Fernando Alonso, set out to take up the challenge McLaren-Honda. Kimi Räikkönen pocketed the Drivers' world title during the first year of his first stint with the Scuderia in 2007 after a breathtaking final against the McLarens of Alonso and Hamilton.

After leaving the F1 at the end of 2009, then returning to Lotus in 2012, Iceman returned to the Scuderia in 2014, with Fernando Alonso as his teammate.