No Time-Frame to Decide Raikkonen Future – Ferrari

Newly-appointed Ferrari CEO Louis C. Camilleri has said that there is “no time frame” to decide on Kimi Raikkonen‘s future with the team. He claims that a decision regarding its 2019 line-up is yet to be made.

Camilleri took over as CEO at Ferrari following the sudden death of Sergio Marchionne. Marchionne was said to be in favour of promoting Ferrari junior and current Sauber driver Charles Leclerc into Raikkonen’s seat for 2019 alongside Sebastian Vettel.

Raikkonen is on course for his strongest season since rejoining Ferrari in 2014. He has scored eight podium finishes in the first 13 races. It was enough to convince Ferrari to offer F1’s oldest driver another one-year contract extension.

Speaking for the first time in the F1 paddock since his appointment, Camilleri stressed no decision had been made regarding Ferrari’s 2019 line-up. He also said that there was no deadline for the call to be made.

“We have not taken a decision yet. When we take that decision, and there is no timeframe, you will be the second to know,” Camilleri told reporters at Monza on Friday.

“I know Kimi very well. he’s a dear friend, has been for a long time.

“As for the decision-making process, it’s a team decision. As Maurizio [Arrivabene] is our team principal, ultimately he’ll take the decision.

“But we will discuss it. Once we’re ready, we’ll tell you.”

Camilleri has said that he was not looking to make widespread changes to Ferrari’s F1 operation. Instead, he hailed the momentum that the Ferrari team has built through the 2018 season as it fights for both world titles.

“Obviously the team has considerable momentum. I’m happy,” Camilleri said.

“It’s a team, a great team, and I don’t expect any [major] changes. I have the ambition, like everyone else in the team, to win.”