Kimi Raikkonen says Ferrari F1 environment feels better than ever

Raikkonen is in his second stint with Ferrari, which he joined from McLaren in 2007 for an initial three-year stint, before returning in 2014 after spells in the World Rally Championship and back in F1 with Lotus.

Ferrari has recently undergone a major restructuring headlined by the arrival of Maurizio Arrivabene, a change that Raikkonen feels is working extremely well.

"I must say, in the past when I was here at Ferrari they were good times and it was a good atmosphere," he said.

"But this year is the best that I have had in any team; how the team works together, how people work together, how the atmosphere is and how things are being run.

"That tells you a lot. I'm very happy."

Raikkonen indicated last summer that he would probably retire from F1 after his current contract expires at the end of this year.

Asked if his improved form this year and his happiness with the current Ferrari regime might make him stay longer, Raikkonen said that choice was not up to him.

"The team has to decide that," he said. "You will have to talk to them.

"Time will tell what will happen. I'm happy with how things are running."

VETTEL: RAIKKONEN CAN CONTROL HIS FUTURE

Raikkonen's team-mate Sebastian Vettel reckons the Finn would have plenty of alternatives if he wanted to change teams.

"I think he's doing a very, very good job," said Vettel of Raikkonen.

"He was in the past. Probably last year it wasn't noticed so much, but inside the team it definitely was.

"I don't know the details of his contract. I think it's in his hands if he wants to carry on in Formula 1.

"There would be plenty of interest in a fast driver like him, with the experience that he has, if he wants to carry on in Formula 1.

"If he doesn't want to then he will quit."