Raikkonen shrugs off Stewart criticism

Stewart was widely quoted in the British media after the Spanish Grand Prix as questioning whether Raikkonen was ready to put the necessary effort in to become a world champion.

He said: "He doesn't seem prepared to make the sacrifice of reducing that style of life because he enjoys it. It's possible he will not win a world championship and that would be a considerable loss to Ferrari and the sport."

Raikkonen brushed aside those comments, however, during a media briefing at the Paul Ricard circuit in France today.

"I don't care what Jackie says," said Raikkonen. "It has nothing to do with me. What should I say?"

Raikkonen said he was more interested in the praise that had been thrust upon him by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo earlier this week.

"That is probably more important than what Jackie Stewart says. I think we have a good atmosphere and a good working relationship."

Although Raikkonen still remains disappointed with his retirement from last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, he has reiterated his confidence in the title fight that lays ahead.

"Of course it was not fun, and no one wants that," he said about his failure to win the Spanish race. "We were in a good position in the championship but we are not so good any more.

"But like I said before, there are many races to go. We just have to work hard and get back up there. We need to get some points."