McLaren without Räikkönen?

Kimi Räikkönen is expected to return to McLaren in 2010 but Martin Whtimarsh recognizes that the team has no duty towards its former driver. Mc Laren could continue with his current crew.

Published on 05/10/2009 à 13:50

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While there is a lot of talk about Kimi Räikkönen's return to McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen could keep his seat for next season. Regular since mid-season, Kovalainen has scored six consecutive points, only finishing at Suzuka. With a ?top driver? in the person of Lewis Hamilton, McLaren is not in need on a human level.

« We are not waiting for Kimi, recognized Martin Whtimarsh in the Suzuka paddock. There is a really good chance that Heikki will drive for the team next season. »

If the track which leads to Kimi Räikkönen is serious, McLaren does not have the obligation to recruit a driver of the caliber of the 2007 world champion. And above all, the Woking team, by keeping the same crew, would avoid creating a counterproductive rivalry between Räikkönen and Hamilton, like the one that took place in 2007 between Hamilton and Alonso.

« I don't think we need to make a decision in the coming weeks, continues Whitmarsh. The right and most respectable attitude towards our current drivers is to support them, and see if we are doing a good job in achieving good results in the last races. »