Kimi Raikkonen to leave Ferrari - reports

Kimi Raikkonen could depart Ferrari as soon as the end of this season, according to reports.

Germany's Auto-Bild-Motorsport said the beleaguered Maranello based team has already commenced its search for the Finn's successor, after failing to live up to his reputation and newfound status as the highest earning F1 racer following his switch from McLaren for 2007.

Not only is the 27-year-old struggling to keep up with Felipe Massa in the other F2007, Ferrari bosses are apparently also concerned about Kimi's lack of focus and rookie errors -- such as failing to get his car quickly off the line.

Part of the Auto-Bild-Motorsport rumour is that newly retired Michael Schumacher is the obvious choice to replace Raikkonen, but paddock rumblings have also hinted at McLaren's disgruntled Fernando Alonso or Williams' impressive Nico Rosberg to fill the seat.

The speculation may also be related to new gossip this week that says Toyota could be eyeing Raikkonen as a replacement for Ralf Schumacher next year and beyond.

Ferrari is now coming under intense pressure from the notorious and influential Italian media, with La Gazzetta dello Sport headlining this week that the trip to North America was a "total failure" for the Prancing Horse.

Regarding Raikkonen, meanwhile, the sports daily wrote: "Hopes that he is Michael Schumacher's heir are gradually fading."

"Australia aside, Kimi has never been brilliant in a Ferrari."

Source: GMM

www.duemotori.com

Kimi certainly hasn't looked comfortable down at Ferrari as of yet, but I would be very, VERY surprised if he was given the boot. But then again, there would have to be a performance clause in his contract. I think he's safe this year, but if Massa is still comfortably outperforming him this time next year, he'd be in a bit of strife.

As to Schumacher returning, surely he wouldn't go and tarnish an absolutely brilliant career by returning and more likely than not, being behind the pace (bearing in mind he would be 39 next year and would have been out of the cockpit for over 12 months). Brazil last year was a fitting finale, befitting a great champion, so I really hope he stays in retirement.

This is BS!

Toadt said that Kimi isn't used to the team yet and belives Kimi will do better next year.... plus Kimi has a 3 year contract deal with Ferrari

Ah, the rumous are now in full swing I see.

F1 Racing magazine explains why 2008 will be quiet for drivers moving teams and why it'll all go beserk in 2009. Simply put, those who have the 30-something drivers (DC, Fisi, Rubens & Ralf), all bar the latter are dead likely to keep their seats for 2008 for a year, and then in 2009 when all the "big four" are available (Alonso, Hamilton, Raikkonen & Massa), everyone will be hell-bent on gaining one of them for their own teams.

I dont think this is true, but I agree with the article about kimi's bad performance.

It looks like he's sleeping during starts and safety car situations: bahrain safety car, USA start, canada safety car, spain start.

Also Massa is currently faster but that's not strange as he knows everyone at ferrari for a few years now. (ferrari had first option when he was at sauber) Not to mention everyone picked Massa as this years favorite for the title, not raikkonen.

In his contract Raikkonen has to perform at some level to stay and can be sacked for free if he doesn't. For a replacement, I hope Alonso will get the spot (good at developing the car and not feeling good at a boring old team like mclaren).

Kimi won't leave!

He still has 3 years left and ferrari cannot buy it out it's too much money! The team owner said that it's ok Kimi is just getting used to the team,tires and the the car he said next year he will show his dominance for sure

Kimi won't leave!

He still has 3 years left and ferrari cannot buy it out it's too much money! The team owner said that it's ok Kimi is just getting used to the team,tires and the the car he said next year he will show his dominance for sure

VexxatuVexx