Sebastian Vettel uncertain whether Kimi Raikkonen’s move to Red Bull is ‘realistic’ – Formula 1 news
Sebastian Vettel has claimed that the reports of Kimi Raikkonen partnering him at Red Bull next year are not realistic, despite the fact that both drivers have got a very good relationship off-track.
Rumours suggest that the latter of the two drivers is already in talks with the reigning world champions and might leave his current team Lotus by the end of the 2013 Formula 1 season.
When asked about such speculations, Vettel replied, “I don’t know how realistic that is. I do get on very well with him. We see each other at the races if time permits, as we are both straightforward, honest — we do get on well together. But you don’t find
your real friends in Formula One.”
Mark Webber, who is currently the second driver at Red Bull, has been struggling to meet the expectations of his team this year, as he has been inconsistent in the opening six rounds of the season.
Moreover, the Australian was frustrated after a victory was taken away from him in Malaysia. He was clearly in the lead, when the team asked him to save tyres for the ending moments. The same message was sent to Vettel, who was running second at that time.
However, the latter of the two drivers did not listen to his team and took advantage of a slow car ahead of him. As a result, the German ended up winning the Malaysian GP in a controversial way.
The triple world champion later said that his team-mate did not deserve a victory back then. Reflecting on his comments, he added, “If there is something unpleasant to speak about, I have always done it, just normally in the presence of those who really
need to hear it, not the people sitting in front of the television.”
Since then, there have been reports that Webber might quit racing at the end of this season and he could be replaced by Raikkonen, who has been delivering some solid performances right after making his comeback in 2012.
It will be interesting to see who partners the reigning world champion in 2014, especially after knowing that he has the support of the entire team.
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