German Car Zone

Just_me · 06-20-2007, 08:26 AM

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.” (GMM)

Zonda · 06-20-2007, 08:40 AM

Nah.. I think Ferrari still has faith in him.

He's even begun his first year at Ferrari better than Massa did. All he has to do is improve by the second half of the season, maybe win some more races and so on. But I think the pressure is on him for sure. But not to the point where they're considering to fire him.

Remy Zero · 06-20-2007, 08:40 AM

it's just a rumour thats not gonna happen. these stupid journalists keeps reporting nonsense all the time.

if Ralf wins in France, they'll probably come up with a report saying that Toyota will be offering him a contract for life.

Remy Zero · 06-20-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonda

Nah.. I think Ferrari still has faith in him.

He's even begun his first year at Ferrari better than Massa did. All he has to do is improve by the second half of the season, maybe win some more races and so on. But I think the pressure is on him for sure. But not to the point where they're considering to fire him.

+1 agree.

even if they sack him, who would they look for? i think they have Nick available in the market, as well as Rosberg.

but naaa..i'd rather stay with Kimi and give him the 2008 season a second chance.

shonguiz · 06-20-2007, 08:47 AM

The typical Bs.

Imhotep Evil · 06-20-2007, 09:06 AM

Yep and Alonso already broke his contract with McMerc and already signed reported with either Renault, Ferrari or BMW. Also, Bernie is dumping Slavica for Danica (Patrick), and Mosley is reported to have said he's quiting and is sorry for making one mistake after another regarding F1 (like baning Active suspensions, slicks, V10s).

chonkoa · 06-20-2007, 09:36 AM

I believe it is a rumour, however I also believe that both Ferrari and Kimi and under immense pressure.
Massa first season with Ferrari was a rocky start, but we have to admit he is doing a lot better than last year- in my opinion, he has responded well to the challenge.
Considering how much Kimi makes with respect to Massa, and the fact that of the 71 points Ferrari has scored thus far Kimi has accounted for 45% of the points, the Italian press has every right to register their disappointments.

450SEL6.9 · 06-20-2007, 11:17 AM

I don't think he will "leave" at the end of the season. If he "leaves" Ferrari, it means his arse would have been shown to the door. If he is fired, I think it will be with good reason.

Kimi supposedly makes $25-40 million, depending on what you read. Massa makes $5-8 million. As for Heidfeld, I have always said that Ferrari should have kept Schumacher for '07 and signed Heidfeld when he becomes available for '08.

The obvious choice to replace Kimi would be Schumacher, according to Bild. However, was the obvious choice to replace Schumacher ever Kimi? He was always called the fastest driver in F1. I don't think that was ever merited. He has one uber impressive win here and there, but he always had a gaggle of DNFs in between. Alonso, however much you don't like him, was a more "obvious" choice because he has the Schumacher work ethic and is a great tester.

Imhotep Evil · 06-20-2007, 12:06 PM

Yep I agree that Alonso or Heidfeld was the obvious choice.

Remy Zero · 06-23-2007, 01:08 AM

Nick for me...

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German Car Zone

Kimi to leave Ferrari - reports