Raikkonen to see out Ferrari deal

9:58pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen has insisted he will see out his Ferrari contract.

Speculation is rife Raikkonen is poised to quit Formula One at the end of the season amid claims he has become bored with the sport and is eager to seek new challenges but the 28-year-old has revealed he is unwilling to walk out on the team in the middle of a deal that runs until the end of next year.

"I'm not in a hurry to decide what I am going to do in the future," said Raikkonen, speaking to Spanish daily El Mundo. "I have a year left on my contract that I want to fulfil. Later, in 2010, I do not know if I will be in F1. We will see."

He added: "It is not an easy decision. I have to evaluate many things, and I am not going to give any explanation to anybody.

"I will make my decision when I am ready. Ferrari are not pushing me on this."

Raikkonen does not fear being bored should he quit, adding: "No, I'm calm.

"There are many things to do outside Formula One. I will find ways to amuse myself so I do not see any problem in using my free time."

Leisure articles