Kimi Raikkonen was labeled a ‘laggard’ by Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne earlier today, but the Finn believes he is doing his best out on the race track.
Speaking to reporters in Austria, Marchionne said that Raikkonen needed a “higher level of commitment” to the Scuderia’s process.
“I think Kimi has got to show a higher level of commitment to the process,” Marchionne told Reuters on Sunday.
“There are days when I think he’s a bit of a laggard, but we’ll see,” the Italian added.
- Marchionne sends Raikkonen another warning
The comments come at a time when contract talks for 2018 are likely just around the corner for both Ferrari drivers.
Sebastian Vettel has raked in three wins so far this season while Raikkonen is fifth in the drivers’ standings, some 88 points adrift of his team mate after the Austrian GP in which he finished fifth, and has yet to make his case for the Scuderia extending his stay at Maranello.
“Obviously I want to do well,” Raikkonen said in response to Marchionne’s remarks.
“My team wants to do well, and I can only do the best that I can. It’s not like I’m not trying.
“Unfortunately it’s not been very straightforward sometimes, but that’s part of the plan and we keep pushing and I’m sure things will work out better.”
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