Don’t write Ferrari off – Räikkönen
Formula 1 champion Kimi Räikkönen was not happy to see his team suffering in qualifying, but he is sure Ferrari doesn’t find itself on a downside curve.
Ferrari started the year off in a surprisingly strong position, had the measure of Mercedes in Malaysia and showed very strong pace in most of the races. The Italian team, however, slid back at Silverstone relative to Mercedes, but also to other rivals like Williams, Toro Rosso or Red Bull.
“No, I definitely don’t think so. But every track produces different racing conditions - it is nothing more than that.” – Kimi Räikkönen is quoted as saying when he was asked whether Ferrari actually made a step back despite continuous development.
The Finn stated that conditions made the situation more complicated for the Maranello-based squad.
“Our car likes certain conditions and if these conditions are not there - just like the relatively windy conditions here - then we are struggling probably a bit more.”
Räikkönen said that Ferrari keeps developing its car steadily.
“There are always bits and pieces that are new on the car at every race. Other than that I will not go into detail. We know that we have things to improve - and Ferrari was never a team that ‘forgets’ to develop.”
The 2007 champion stated that he is hundred per cent sure Ferrari will soon challenge Mercedes for wins. He thinks the team will take a step forward next year and go for the titles.
"We have a clear goal and that is to fight for the championship. We know that it will not be this year, but everything that we learn and do this season will help us be more competitive in 2016. I have no worries that we will get there and improve to the point where we can challenge them."
