The decisive piece in the 2016 Formula One grid assembly has fallen into place, with Kimi Räikkönen granted a lifeline at Ferrari for a further twelve months.
The stalwart Finn’s future was kept on ice in the first phase of the season, a series of poor qualifying performances and bad luck during races sternly affecting his campaign.
In contrast to teammate Sebastian Vettel’s two victories, complemented by five additional podium visits, Räikkönen’s sole top-three return came in the desert night at Bahrain, where the Finn claimed second from Nico Rosberg on the penultimate lap.
The 35-year-old will thus embark on a sixth campaign with Ferrari, having raced initially for the Italian marque from 2007 to 2009, and again since 2014, following a stint in the World Rally Championship and two seasons at Lotus.
Upon renewal of his contract, the Finn remarked, “For me to be able to stay another year at Ferrari means that the dream goes on.
“The Scuderia is my family, as I always said, it’s here I want to end my career.”
His career to date comprises 222 race starts, boasting 20 victories and most significantly the title in his first campaign at Maranello, in 2007.
Stability key for Ferrari
Many have derided Kimi’s second Ferrari stint as lacklustre, having not won a race in red overalls since the 2009 Belgian GP, and indeed he hasn’t stood on the top step of the podium since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. However team boss Maurizio Arrivabene strongly emphasised that stability is key for the team.
“We believe that extending Kimi’s contract into the next season will provide further stability to the team,” he said.
“This has been our guideline, also considering the very good relationship between Kimi and Seb. On our side, this shows our great confidence in him, and I expect this confidence to be rewarded.”
The question is, can Räikkönen reward the team for instilling the extra confidence?
2016 represents a fresh opportunity for Ferrari to mount a serious championship fight against rivals Mercedes AMG. Assuming that he possesses a package capable of regular victories based on the Italian outfit’s upturn in fortunes this season, it is critical the Finn delivers in what looms as his final season in the sport.
The show of faith has the potential to provide a spring in his step for the balance of this campaign, as he faces a challenge to equal his teammate’s formidable efforts.
What does this mean for the others?
The domino effect will certainly be felt by the rest of the drivers.
Nico Hulkenberg remains a key contender for acquisition by impending de-facto Ferrari operation Haas – potentially opening a door to the fabled Scuderia in 2017 once Räikkönen moves on.
The German was tantalisingly close to landing a berth at Maranello for 2014, only for Luca di Montezemolo to opt for Räikkönen as insurance on an increasingly disaffected Fernando Alonso.
Valtteri Bottas is set to become a free agent at the end of 2016, should incumbent employers Williams activate his option for next season. A fourth campaign at the Grove outfit is likely, with Ferrari baulking at the reported €10 million release fee, which could have seen Bottas in red next season.
Being out of contract would render the junior Finn lucrative for acquisition by Ferrari if he is still in their sights in twelve months.
Daniel Ricciardo’s aspirations for a future at Maranello have been done little harm by Räikkönen’s retention, with next season set to be the conclusion of the Red Bull Racing-Renault relationship.
Should the inevitable divorce proceed the West Australian has an exit clause from his long-term contract, making a shift to the prestigious stables of the Prancing Horse on the money. Furthermore, his Italian roots would carry huge credibility with the Tifosi.
Whether the outcome of the past relationship between Vettel and Ricciardo has any bearing on a reunion is unknown, but the latter would fancy his prospects of again outshining the four-time champion.
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