Kimi willing to listen to Mercedes offer
November 19, 2009 by SJ Skid
Filed under People & Events, Top Story
Just when he thought he was out, Mercedes may try to pull him back in.
Rumors throughout the day so far have been that Mercedes GP is talking with Kimi Raikkonen about a seat for 2010. This is still in the rumor phase, but Autosport has given it a solid foundation after talking to Kimi’s manager.
Raikkonen’s manager Steve Robertson said on Thursday that although a sabbatical remained the most likely outcome, the 2007 world champion would listen to any offer that Mercedes made if it was interested.
“This is Formula 1. If they can offer, or convince us, that they can provide Kimi an opportunity that Kimi is happy with, and that we are happy with, and he feels he can win races and the championship, then never say never,” Robertson told AUTOSPORT about the situation with Mercedes GP. “There is always a possibility.”
He added: “There are not that many teams that would appeal to Kimi because he is honest when he says he has got to have a car to win. He is not interested in the money.
“Of course, money is a part of it but he doesn’t need the money. He wants a car where he can show his talent. He was very frustrated this year by the fact that he could not win more races and challenge for the championship.
“When you have been in F1 for nine years and been a world champion then you need challenges – and for Kimi the challenge is to win championships and races.”
What about Kimi’s desire to race? Robertson — who must be enjoying his moment in the sun — says not to worry:
When asked if Raikkonen had the hunger to get back into F1, Robertson said: “Yes. As far as Kimi is concerned he has unfinished business – if the opportunity is there to win races and another championship. That is his main goal.
“Now it looks like he is not doing F1 we will look at other options. Rallying, or something else – but there is nothing firmed up in that area yet because F1 has only just finished for us in the last few days. Now it is the time to discuss other things.”
There’s that big “If” again. Kimi still is demanding a car that can win races, and while a lot of people are lambasting him for that, it’s an understandable request after a season when the Ferraris were terrible.
Think about it. Not only did Kimi spend a good chunk of the season knowing he was being pushed out, but he was also driving a car that the team had given up on in favor of the following year’s model — when he wouldn’t benefit.
With the money he is set to rake in from Ferrari, he does have options. And it sounds like he’s using them.
At least one of those options now appears to be back in Formula 1.
As I feel we are saying a lot these past weeks; Stay tuned.
Loading ...
Come on Merc, get the best driver when he is available. You cannot expect to fight for a championship with all German team unless it has got Vettel in it. With Vettel being part of RBR, go for Kimi. We would hate to see him sit out and eat ice creams.
I just heard about this and came straight here… I knew you would be on top of the latest news (unlike Autosport texts).
I am not convinced about this too much, the quotes sound weak, and just like any manager would say until something was signed on the dotted line.
I would rather support Kimi in a Mercedes than in those Ferrari things.
yeah come on, how you can pick Heidfeld (sorry NC) instead of Kimi? we’re talking about mercedes now, they can spend what they want and if Kimi wants to drive next year could do it regardless the money..
I dream a wdc batlle between Kimi, Alonso, Lewis and Vettel in different cars, with outsiders like Massa, Rosberg, Button..
Sincerely i think if Heidfeld is still in F1 in thanks to his german passport, but it’s time to consider the pure talent of a driver…
That will be a good 4 way fight and finally things will boil down to which team comes up with the best car which is reliable. There isnt much separating the quality of these drivers.
I’d be happy to have Kimi in the team, despite others saying he is washed up he did well in 09 with a dog of a car.
Signing Kimi would be a statement by Mercedes that they are here to aggressively pursue titles. Rosberg is a good decision for them. Pair him with Kimi and you have a very strong team. When you look at the line ups at Ferrari and McLaren, if you’re Mercedes, you almost have to go this route. Both teams have superstar drivers backed up by teammates capable of winning more then their share of races. Signing Kimi is the only way for Merc to ensure they’ll be able to stay with the others. …Happy days are here again (almost, maybe)
Without a superstar driver, they will be just an also ran. When it comes to races people go to see their favourite drivers and to see them win. Kimi has a huge fan following and Mercedes can get lots of them at one go.
Go Kimi go!
And they pull you back in. Man this would be great, the fastest driver with the best team manager with Brawn. Kimi should do this. Brawn is the best at what he does, and now with Merc money and support the team should be way more that a one hit wonder. Come on Kimi push it, push it.
Ahem… just who predicted Kimi should go to Brawn over a month ago?