Räikkönen tempted by a leave of absence?

Will Kimi Räikkönen prioritize the financial situation over the sporting interest of his next season? According to Auto Motor und Sport, the Finn would receive 15 million euros per year if he joined McLaren-Mercedes. A smaller sum than if he remains on the sidelines. Indeed, Ferrari must pay Iceman compensation of 17 million euros if he is not in Formula 1 next season. And the Team would pay 10 million to Kimi if he finds a seat in another team.

Being aware of this agreement, McLaren is therefore trying to obtain the signature of Kimi Räikkönen at a lower cost. The Woking team would thus have offered "only" 5 million euros to the Finn, who would receive, in addition, 10 million from Ferrari, for a total salary of 15 million. For McLaren-Mercedes, the recruitment of the Finn is just one solution among others, as Norbert Haug has often recalled. For his part, Iceman confided that McLaren was his only option. He is therefore not in a strong position in negotiating his salary.

« In any case, one thing is certain, those who come for money are not the right people, Norbert Haug, vice-president of Mercedes Motorsport, said recently. I won't name anyone but we want someone full of commitment, who comes with the desire to succeed. » If McLaren-Mercedes remains in its position, Kimi Räikkönen will therefore have to choose, he who was paid by Ferrari to the tune of 30 million euros this season.