F1 Bahrain GP: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen promises more to come

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen believes the team will soon be an even bigger threat to Mercedes at the front of the field in Formula 1, following the Bahrain Grand Prix

F1 Bahrain GP: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen promises more to come

The Finn took advantage of an alternative tyre strategy to finish between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Sakhir on Sunday, coming home just three seconds behind the winner as Mercedes nursed brake problems at the end.

And Raikkonen believes that it will not be long before Ferrari is a genuine threat to Mercedes at every grand prix.

"We had decent speed today, I think we just have to keep working and improving the whole package," said the 2007 world champion.

"I'm sure we will get there and we can fight every weekend after that.

"I'm very happy with the team and I think many people didn't expect after last year that we would be in this position this early.

"We will start winning [more] races. We have to be patient and do the same work as we have done so far and we will get there."

Raikkonen added that Ferrari deserves credit for making gains in all areas following a disappointing 2014 season.

"The whole package has gone forward," he said. "A big chunk of it is the engine but you cannot give all the credit to them.

"The car has improved a lot, there's a lot more downforce, it's handling a lot better.

"All areas have improved, that is the key. People are working more closely, which has helped us get to where we have now."

TYRE CALL WAS CORRECT

During his strong stint on the harder medium-compound tyre, Raikkonen questioned Ferrari's decision to revert to the soft tyre for his final stint.

However, after reeling in the Mercedes drivers after his final stop, he admitted that the team had made the right decision.

"I think we had a few different approaches of how to run the race," Raikkonen said.

"On the medium tyre it was quite easy to catch up to them.

"In the end it was the right choice to go soft - we were much faster still.

"We did more or less the maximum we could have done, we had a pretty good race and hopefully we can have a few more."

shares
comments

Bahrain GP: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg suffered brake problems

F1 Bahrain GP: Sebastian Vettel says he struggled for rhythm

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?

What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1? What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Australian GP
GP Racing

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Australian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
GP Racing

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

The state of play in F1's technical silly season

The state of play in F1's technical silly season

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jake Boxall-Legge

The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Kevin Turner

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
GP Racing

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries