Sky F1's Martin Brundle reckons Ferrari have already targeted a young driver to replace Raikkonen for 2017, with Verstappen likely target; Brundle reckons Vettel had say in team-mate's 2016 renewal
Tuesday 25 August 2015 14:20, UK
Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle suspects Ferrari have already identified a "young gun" to drive for them in 2017 after handing the veteran Kimi Raikkonen a one-year contract extension.
Ferrari's announcement confirming they had taken up the option on Raikkonen's services for 2016 caught the sport by surprise amid expectations the Scuderia would at least wait several more races before deciding on Sebastian Vettel's team-mate for next season.
However, the fact Raikkonen is F1's oldest driver and will turn 37 by the end of next season has already led to suggestions that Ferrari will likely wait one more year before replacing the Finn, when several more drivers are scheduled to be freely available on the market.
Brundle believes Vettel, who had publicly expressed his keenness for Raikkonen to be retained, had a say in the decision but that Ferrari also have a longer-term plan in mind.
"He's a world class driver still, although he hasn't looked particularly good against the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso head-to-head in the same team," Brundle said ahead of this weekend's Belgian GP, which is live on Sky F1.
"It would have been tempting to put in a young gun. I don't think Vettel would have wanted that – he remembers the pain he took from Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull.
"All the top teams tend to be quite conservative actually; better the devil you know than the devil you don't. They know these drivers have the experience and they are former world champions. So to an extent, they have gone the safe route.
"I think it means two things. One, Vettel played a part in that decision and, two, they've got a young gun signed for 2017 and they'll keep Raikkonen in place for 2016."
While twenty-somethings Bottas, Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg may all back in the running for Raikkonen's seat in 12 months' time, early speculation has also suggested Ferrari may be lining up a move for Red Bull's teenage protégé Max Verstappen, who is currently impressing during his debut F1 season for the energy drinks firm's junior team Toro Rosso.
Asked who Ferrari's 'young gun' for 2017 could be, Brundle replied: "You've got to be looking to get Verstappen in the car, haven't you, if you can."
