OCTOBER 16, 2015

Raikkonen not ruling out staying beyond 2016

Kimi Raikkonen has not ruled out extending his stay in formula one even beyond the end of 2016.

Kimi Raikkonen has not ruled out extending his stay in formula one even beyond the end of 2016.

Earlier, the popular Finn's future beyond this season was clouded as Ferrari reportedly considered replacing him with Williams' Valtteri Bottas.

35-year-old Raikkonen, however, was ultimately re-signed, and the 2007 world champion has now indicated he might also be interested in extending his F1 career even beyond his fourteenth consecutive campaign next year.

"I don't know," he told Sky Italia.

"I have a contract for at least one more year. What happens beyond that remains to be seen."

And Raikkonen also will not rule out staying at Ferrari in a non-racing role even after his career ends, perhaps akin to how Michael Schumacher and Giancarlo Fisichella remained affiliated beyond retirement.

"I've been with Ferrari a long time," said the 20-time grand prix winner, who has also raced for Sauber, McLaren and Lotus.

"Maybe that possibility opens up, but I do not make the decision now," he added.

(GMM)