Raikkonen counts on Hamilton slump

Ferrari driver Raikkonen is already 21 points behind Hamilton after the first six races of the season, having a fifth place in Canada as his best result in the past three Grands Prix.

The Finn retired in Spain, finished eighth in Monte Carlo, and then struggled for pace in Montreal as Ferrari seemed to be no match for McLaren.

Raikkonen believes, however, that Hamilton will run into problems eventually after his flawless start to the season.

"We did not have a competitive package as we hoped for; we try as hard as ever to improve it for Indianapolis: for sure we will give it all," said Raikkonen. "The race was very hectic with all the safety car periods. At the start I touched the rear wing of Felipe's car and the handling of my car was never 100%.

"After Kubica's accident, debris from his BMW got stuck in my front wing and I lost a lot of aerodynamic downforce and the car was really difficult to drive through the corners. Then I practically lost my brakes, that at a certain point I even lost one position to Sato.

"In the final phase of the race it was pretty difficult, not knowing when the brakes were working and when not. So in the end it was important that we got some points. While also Fernando and Felipe had some problems, I managed to reduce the gap to them.

"Sure, now I'm 21 points behind Hamilton, but I'm certain that there will be difficult moments even for him."

With just one week between the Canadian and US Grands Prix, Raikkonen admits he is not sure what to expect for the Indianapolis race.

"The last three races have not been what I expected," said Raikkonen. "We do our best to get back to the level of the first three races. I really want to win, because that would help us a lot.

"It's difficult to say what we expect from IMS. I enjoy the circuit and it has always been a good circuit for Ferrari.

"There is a very long straight, where you need to have a good speed, but at the same moment the infield section is very tight and there are some corners you have to take with the smallest gears. Fortunately you are able to overtake at the end of the straight."