Marchionne challenges Kimi Räikkönen at Ferrari
After two lacklustre races, Kimi Räikkönen seems to be contested at Ferrari, where Sergio Marchionne, President of the Italian brand, has suggested that his team meet the Finn to discuss the situation with him.
Kimi Räikkönen finished the Chinese Grand Prix in fifth place, far behind his teammate Sebastian Vettel and behind the two Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo with whom he battled throughout the race. The Finn, not particularly impressive in Australia with a modest fourth-place finish, now sits in fifth place in the drivers’ championship, already more than twenty points behind his teammate.
His race in Shanghai, lacking excitement, did not earn him many admirers within Ferrari. The President of the Italian company, Sergio Marchionne, was the first to point out the seemingly unconcerned attitude of the 2007 world champion: “Today, he seemed occupied by something else. Vettel was much more aggressive,” the Italian noted, keeping in mind the difficulties the Finn had in overtaking Ricciardo at the start of the race while Vettel made quick work of the Australian.
A meeting should take place between the Scuderia’s senior management and its driver: « I discussed it with Maurizio [Arrivabene]. Maybe they should sit around a table and talk with him. » suggested Marchionne.
However, the President of Ferrari defends his team and its race strategy, with the pit stop during the safety car period: « Without the safety car, the race story would have been quite different. But I can confirm that the choice to change Vettel’s tires was the right one. The race was enjoyable. We finish second, we are second in the Constructors’ Championship just one point behind Mercedes, and Sebastian is tied on points with Hamilton. It’s not so bad after two races », concludes the Italian.
