The curious case of Ferrari and Raikkonen

In 2014, Kimi Raikkonen returned to Ferrari after two impressive years at the Lotus F1 Team. 7 podiums, including a win in 2012, netted an impressive third place in the championship after three years away from the sport. The following season yielded more success. Victory in the opening race of the year set up a title charge, and more races should have gone his way, particularly the German Grand Prix. His first year back with Ferrari though was a complete disaster. Raikkonen only scored 55 points, compared to teammate Fernando Alonso’s 161. The following season, 2015, was much better, and netted three podiums. However, new teammate Sebastian Vettel scored three wins. He also amassed almost double the points of Kimi, and was rarely off the podium.

In 2016, the Iceman’s form has improved. He has already taken three podiums, and he came close to winning the Spanish Grand Prix. But his inconsistent form lead to many questions about his future at Ferrari beyond 2017. Ferrari put all that to bed at the British Grand Prix however, and re-signed Raikkonen for 2017. However, I feel Ferrari need to have a rethink after 2017. Raikkonen needs to go. But why?

Raikkonen has yet to win at Ferrari since rejoining the team. Whereas teammate Vettel won three races in his first year with the team in 2015. If Ferrari want to become constructor’s champions again, they need a driver who cannot just score consistently, but someone else who can win races. Both Mercedes drivers are capable of winning races and winning championships, even if one of them is still seeking their first title. Both of Ferrari’s drivers are world champions, but only one of them is driving like one. This is why Ferrari need to look elsewhere for its championship ambitions.

But who can replace the Iceman? Which driver would best fit the team?

The Honey Badger

Probably the most obvious choice for Ferrari is Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian is one of the most highly rated drivers on the grid, and for good reason. His 2014 season was nothing short of stellar, and he has put in many an impressive drive since his three victories that year. Two wins have escaped him this year, the one at Monaco after one of the qualifying laps of the hybrid era, if not maybe the lap of the era. Daniel is incredible on the brakes, and his smiley exterior hides a ferocious animal. An animal that knows what to risk and when to risk it, more often than not making it work. The word ‘mistake’ is not one that is often associated with Daniel. Officially though, Daniel is at Red Bull for the next two seasons (2017-’18), and that doesn’t look set to change. However, he recently admitted that he was on Ferrari’s ‘shopping list’ if they did decide to oust Kimi. That surely won’t change in 2017. "Am I the only driver on that list? Probably not. Am I their top pick? I don't know” says Daniel. "I'm aware they'd be interested; I don't blame them!”. Whilst there has been no physical contact between either party, Ferrari would be foolish to not at least consider Ricciardo for the drive in 2018.

‘Checo’

A few years ago, you wouldn’t even consider Sergio Perez for this list. However, since joining Force India after a tough season at McLaren, things have only gone up for Checo. Despite teammate Nico Hulkenburg being highly rated, Checo has been the one who has taken four podiums for Force India since he and ‘The Hulk’ became teammates. He has taken two podiums in the last two races of this season alone, and qualified second on the road in Baku. After finishing behind Hulkenburg in the 2014 standings, Checo beat his teammate last year and looks on course to do so again this season. His tyre management is also second to none, the podium in Russia last year partly down to this, much like some of his 2012 podiums with the Sauber team. Ferrari will surely be knocking on his door.

The man himself sounds happy to be linked with the Scuderia, saying "As a racing driver it makes you feel proud, especially how my career has been in the past years”. "I know I'm doing a good job and performing well and working well with the team [Force India]. That's good for everyone." Checo historically has had one year renewals with Force India. If that is the case again this year, he could be a free agent for 2018. This perhaps might make him the most likely Raikkonen replacement.

The Iceman mark 2?

Having said that, you cannot rule out current Williams star Valtteri Bottas. The young Finn was one of the stars of 2014, taking six podiums on his way to fourth place in that year’s standings. He was in contention for victory in both Austria that year and at Silverstone last year. Some of his qualifying performances have also been stellar, for example Russia 2014, where he almost took a stunning pole position, and Russia this year, where he outpaced Raikkonen’s Ferrari to take a Vettel-penalty-assisted front row start. His drive this year in Canada to third place was superbly calculated. 

The only issue perhaps is his performance against Massa, particularly in 2015. Massa fared pretty well against the young Finn last year, which suggested that Bottas wasn't quite the real deal, bearing in mind Massa's lacklustre performance in his latter days at Ferrari. This year however, that's completely changed and Bottas has completely overshadowed Massa.

Perhaps Valtteri is the least likely of the candidates to move to the Scuderia, particularly as Williams are very keen to keep hold of him. but Bottas is certainly still within a shout of the Ferrari drive.

An All-Star German Lineup

Perhaps even less likely of a choice is the current championship leader. Nico Rosberg is yet to seal a new Mercedes deal, although at the time of writing it is looking more likely he will stay with the Silver Arrows. But, I am convinced that Rosberg has held some form of discussion with Ferrari. He has never denied this. The man himself has said “Of course I’m in an interesting situation, I just want to see what the future will be. Let’s see”. He is an improved driver and man in 2016, and has bounced right back from his slumps in Monaco and Canada. He should have taken victory in Austria, but for that last lap. His racecraft, something that was questioned a lot over the last two years, is certainly not lacking. The move he made around the outside of Hamilton at the start in Spain was brave and brilliant. A move that you would normally find Hamilton doing. With the German on form, Ferrari will certainly be interested. With Raikkonen now resigned for 2017, and a multiple year deal at Mercedes now inevitable, the Ferrari door is probably shut for now for Rosberg. But rest assured, Rosberg will be one to watch in the coming years. He could yet end up 'Red'.

Signing Raikkonen for me was not the right thing for Ferrari to do. His performance has been inconsistent and we've yet to see a race win on his return to Ferrari. Yes, he's improved this year and yes, his experience may help the team with the new regulations for 2017. But beyond that, there are plenty of drivers who could do a much better job at Ferrari. If his form doesn’t improve, the Iceman’s days are surely numbered.