Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Ferrari sure Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen won't clash in 2014

Ferrari has laughed off suggestions that Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen will clash when they are Formula 1 team-mates in 2014

The Finn will join the Spaniard from Lotus to form Ferrari's first line-up two world champions since the 1953 season.

Alonso's current team-mate Felipe Massa said earlier this week he expected the duo 'to collide' next year, echoing others' predictions of tension.

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali said such talk was just part of F1's "psychological war".

"Maybe they have fear because we are strong," said Domenicali on Thursday. "It's part of the psychological war that is part of this game. It's not really interesting for me because I don't listen. Everyone can say what they want, but that's it.

"I will not change the way we handle the situation from a team point of view. Funnily enough, you will never see me speak about other team."

Alonso also said he did not see any problems with having Raikkonen as a team-mate, as he considers Massa a top-class driver too.

"I don't think anyone will push me more than what I push now," said Alonso. "Two world champions, I don't think it makes any difference.

"You keep writing these things, which is exactly the same as when I arrived here, with people saying it would be a disaster with Felipe, and after four years he's one of the best friends I have here.

"For next year it will be the same, but that's something you will probably not write. I consider Felipe a world champion as well.

"I don't think a title will change the relationship, or in the team, or in terms of pushing. Felipe was a world champion when he crossed the line in 2008, so it's not like he's a rookie driver."

NO PHILOSOPHY CHANGE

Although Massa has played a supporting role to Alonso during the four seasons they have been together at Ferrari, Domenicali insisted the arrival of Raikkonen does not mean a change in the way the team will operate.

"I don't think it's a change of philosophy," he said. "All the drivers who have worked at Ferrari know that there is the main interest of the team, and they consider that as a priority.

"It's normal, and absolutely imperative, that everybody does the maximum, but this is the way we have been working in our history and this is what will happen in the future."

Alonso insisted he was aware of the possibility of Raikkonen arriving, and he believes the Finn is the best possible choice to replace Massa.

"I was always informed about the team movements and it's true that I think until the last moment the team didn't make a decision, and when they decided that it was better to change Felipe they asked me what was my opinion," Alonso added.

"My opinion was that Kimi was the best out there in the market and especially with a championship with many changes for next year, so a team-mate with many years of F1 was important. The team chose him so I'm happy."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Kimi Raikkonen: money prompted Lotus exit and Ferrari F1 switch
Next article Felipe Massa only interested in top Formula 1 seat for 2014

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe