The decision regarding Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari could be made at some point over the next 24 hours.
Some reports even suggest that a deal was completed on Monday.
The 2007 Formula One World Champion is the heavy favourite to replace Felipe Massa and join Ferrari next season, despite the Finn leaving Ferrari on far from amicable terms last time around.
Whilst some reports claim the deal is done, others claim that there are still various decisions yet to be made, Ferrari may not have yet made their final decision. Signing Kimi, whilst great for Formula One is not looked on favourably by everyone in the team. Would Fernando Alonso be comfortable seeing his status go from the clear number one driver to having no team orders?
Alonso already appears to be unsettled at Ferrari, would they really want to rock the boat further?
Then of course there is Kimi’s decision, he himself is very settled at Lotus and in an ideal world he would prefer to stay with the team that welcomed him back to Formula One after over a year in exile [or rallying as he calls it].
But with no assurances over the teams finances and his desire to be in a winning car, Kimi has shown he is ready to jump ship having also held talks with Red Bull in recent months.
Lotus will still argue that they are to benefit from increased investment from Infinity Racing and potential improved backing from Renault. But it could all prove too late with Raikkonen unable to keep Ferrari waiting.
‘Kimi is in a position where he is being chased by most of the paddock and he will decide.
‘He knows what he gets with us, but he doesn’t know what he will get if he changes teams.’ Lotus boss Eric Boullier told Autosport Magazine.
Ferrari are of course also looking at Nico Hulkenberg and Paul Di Resta, but they do appear to favour Raikkonen.
Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo who was at Monza at the weekend previously told the media that a decision would be made this week and it looks increasing likely that Kimi will be returning to Ferrari for 2014.
If Raikkonen does make the jump to Ferrari, Hulkenberg could make the switch to Lotus, with his seat at Sauber uncertain due to the teams tie-ups with their various Russian and Mexican sponsorships.
Raikkonen poised for Ferrari
