Raikkonen retains seat at Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen will remain with Ferrari for the 2016 Formula One World Championship.

Rumour around the paddock had suggested that Ferrari’s option clause on Kimi Raikkonen expired at the end of July.

The 2007 Formula One World Champions current contract with Ferrari was set to expire at the end of the 2015 season, but an option clause in his contract would see the Finn race in 2016 if triggered by Ferrari.

That trigger deadline appears to come and go over the summer break, whilst Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene was adamant that no discussions would be held whilst Formula One enjoyed its summer holidays.

‘In the summer break, you take a summer break. You go swimming, climbing, mountain biking ? otherwise it is not a break, it is work!’ he told Sky Sports.

But clearly some discussions have been held as the 35-year-old former Formula One title holder has earned an extension.

‘Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has renewed its technical and racing agreement with Kimi Raikkonen. The driver line-up next season will still consist of the Finnish driver and Sebastian Vettel.’ a brief Ferrari statement read on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to Sky Sports Kimi added: ‘For me, to be able to stay another year at Ferrari means that the dream goes on. The Scuderia is my family, as I always said, it’s here I want to end my career. I am more committed than ever and I want to say thank you to the people who gave me this chance.’