After nine years in Formula One, Kimi Raikkonen faces an uncertain future as the former World Champion has yet to put pen to paper on a deal for next season.
Former Ferrari driver remains without a drive for 2010
After nine years in Formula One, Kimi Raikkonen faces an uncertain future as the former world champion has yet to put pen to paper on a deal for next season.
Having opted to leave Ferrari a year early, Raikkonen said farewell to the Scuderia at last weekend's season finale in Abu Dhabi. However, it remains to be seen whether it was also his goodbye to Formula One.
The 30-year-old, who turned down an offer from Toyota prior to the team's withdrawal from the sport, has on numerous occasions stated that he will only race for a team capable of winning the world title. More to the point, he'll only race for McLaren.
And although he had been talking with the Woking team, reports claim the negotiations broke down due to Raikkonen's salary demands.
Despite the reports, though, the 2007 world champion it not at all anxious about his future.
"It's hard to believe that I have been in Formula One for nine years already," Raikkonen told his official website.
"I am very motivated to win races and a championship again and will only remain in F1 if I can race for a team that can give me a car to fight at the front.
"Let's wait and see what happens."
And although Raikkonen has already stated that rallying or even a year on the sidelines are options, the Finn would like to tackle Formula One's new 2010 regulations, which include a ban on refueling.
"Everybody can focus on next year like Ferrari have done already many weeks," he said. "Is it going to be different? At least there are not so many changes next year.
"No refueling and smaller front tyres are the main things. At the start of the race the cars will feel very difficult to drive with so much fuel on board, so preserving the tyres will play a part.
"Qualifying is now like the old days where we do not use fuel so that will be more fun."
