Ferrari retain Kimi for 2016

Ending months of speculation, Ferrari have confirmed that Kimi Räikkönen will be staying with them for the 2016 season, partnering Sebastian Vettel for what will be their second year of partnership. Next year will see the Ice Man compete in his sixth season with the Italian automotive giants.

Kimi, in his second stint with Ferrari endured a terrible 2014 season. Though in the last season his fortunes improved, with the arrival of his friend and quadruple World Champion, Sebastian Vettel.

A total of 9 out of his 20 wins in his Formula One career have come in his first stint with Ferrari and is the last Ferrari driver to have won the Drivers’ Championship, which he did in 2007. The Finn also helped the team triumph two constructor’s championships in 2007 and 2008.

The 35-year-old had failed to finish on the podium in 2014, but has secured a 2 place this season and already collected more points than the last season which is just half way down. He will be hoping to add more podium finishes, so that he can finish with a clear 4 or even catch up with Sebastian Vettel in the Championship Standings.

The signings of Kimi means compatriot Valtteri Bottas will be staying with Williams. He had been linked to the vacant seat for Ferrari from a long time. He might be joining the team, but that can happen only after 2016 now.

Kimi, however, really would not be staying in the sport much longer, considering his age. Yet his experience will be invaluable in the development of the 2016 Ferrari car, and the paddock is never the same without his blunt answers in media interviews.