Kimi Räikkönen might consider Mercedes GP

Kimi Räikkönen could consider a driver position at Mercedes Grand Prix next season but only if the team can convince him that it will be competitive enough to fight for victory and the world championship. Räikkönen is currently facing the prospect of taking a one-year sabbatical after failing to reach an agreement with McLaren for a seat alongside Lewis Hamilton. The failure of his negotiations allowed Jenson Button to take his place.

Although Räikkönen recently stated that only McLaren could make him world champion in 2010, Button’s departure from the former Brawn GP team has changed the situation. The Finn’s manager, Steve Robertson, stated on Thursday that a sabbatical remains the most likely outcome, but that the 2007 world champion wished to hear offers from Mercedes.

« This is Formula 1. If Mercedes can convince us and we are satisfied, then maybe an agreement can be reached. There is always a possibility, » explained Robertson regarding the situation with Mercedes.

He added: « There aren’t many teams likely to appeal to Kimi, simply because he’s honest and wants a car to win. He’s not interested in money. Of course, money is still money, but he doesn’t need it. He wants a single-seater capable of showcasing his talent. He was very frustrated this year by not winning more races. When you’ve been in F1 for nine years and have been world champion once, you need challenges. For Kimi, the challenge is to win championships and races. »

Let his fans be reassured, even if Räikkönen withdraws from the sport for a year, he will work very hard to find a seat in a F1 team in 2011. When asked if the 2007 champion is still hungry for F1, his manager Robertson admitted: « Yes. Kimi will be there if an opportunity arises to win races and another championship. That is his main objective. »

« Now, we will look at other options. Rally or something else but nothing is fixed in this area yet because F1 has just ended. Now, it’s time to discuss other things. »