Kimi Raikkonen has re-iterated that his options for the 2014 season remain open

Kimi Raikkonen has re-iterated that he will consider all his options for next season but hinted that the choice lies between Lotus and Red Bull.

Raikkonen admitted that any decision would be difficult. He is settled at Lotus, who not only have provided him with a race-winning car but also the relaxed environment he prefers. That wouldn't necessarily be the case at Red Bull, whose image as free-wheeling, fun-loving, upstart mavericks has faded in direct proportion to their on-track success. "I think whatever the decision will be, it won't be easy," Raikkonen mused. "It's never easy and it's not the first time I've had different options on the table. Then you take the one that's right for you at that moment, so it's hard to say whether it's the right or wrong decision. But you have to live with it. "Only you can make the decision yourself." Raikkonen, currently third in the Drivers' Championship, admitted that Lotus have looked after him well since he returned to F1 following a two-year hiatus during which he rallied and even had a go at racing NASCAR. "It's been perfect. Without them, I obviously wouldn't be back in Formula 1. They've also got something out of it. I have no complaints," he said. "Obviously there are certain things that have to improve but I've had a great time with the team so far, so whatever the decision will be, it'll be difficult. "I think we both know, me and the team, what we have to do to make things go forward." On the subject of being handed a free rein, Raikkonen said: "It's one of the key points. Obviously you want to have a good car, but there are lots of small things that have to be right for yourself. "They might sound like stupid, small things but I've been long enough in the business to know what I want and if those things aren't right then that decision might be different." Webber's time spent partnering Vettel has, of course, had its fractious moments, not least the latter's decision to defy team orders and pass the Australian for victory in Malaysia earlier this season. Raikkonen, however, said that the 25-year-old German would rank fairly high in his list of preferred team-mates. "I have no problem to race with anybody. I've never been in a position to choose who I drive with, so it hasn't changed anything. But if it happens, it would probably be easier than some of the others," he added.