Kimi Raikkonen says he faces a “difficult” decision ahead of the 2014 season as to where he will be driving, following Mark Webber’s decision to quit Formula 1.
Though the Finn says Webber’s decision doesn’t change things – it confirms an opening at Red Bull where Raikkonen is hotly tipped to be heading next season.
“It doesn’t change anything since the last two races,” he said on Thursday. “Obviously people will talk more about the chances [of joining Red Bull], but it doesn’t really change what I am going to do next year. That’s my decision.”
He hinted that he may leave Lotus if things don’t improve – likely referring to their budget and development capabilities which lag behind their rivals.
“I wouldn’t be back in Formula One if it wasn’t for them [Lotus] and for sure they also got something good out of it. I’ve got no complaints but there are certain things that have got to improve.
“I’ve had a great time with the team so far and that’s why whatever the decision will be it will be difficult. We both know, me and the team, what we have to do to make things go forward.
“It’s never easy and it’s not the first time there has been several options on the table and you take the one that you think is right for you at that moment,” he added.
He also noted that leaving F1 is an option.
“I always said there would be two or three options and until I have a contract there is always the option that I will not race. I think there is a long time from now until the beginning of next year and there are a lot of things that can happen in life that makes the decision for you and I might not be racing. But I think there is a bigger chance that I will be in Formula One next year.”
