Kimi: Pleasure disappointing those who had hopes

Confirmed by Ferrari for 2017, Kimi Raikkonen says it is his “pleasure that it is disappointing” those who wanted him gone.

In the build-up to the British Grand Prix Ferrari announced that Raikkonen would remain with the team for a fourth consecutive season, his seventh overall at Ferrari.

Friday’s announcement put an end to rumours linking other drivers to Raikkonen’s seat as well as the ever-present questions about his future.

And having dealt with both of those, Raikkonen says he is happy.

“For sure it makes things easier,” he told the official F1 website. “People will stop asking the same question over and over again! And that makes a huge difference.

“It also gives me pleasure that it is disappointing a lot of people who had high hopes.

“So it was good that there was a decision now and not towards the end of the season, because from now on we can fully concentrate on the remaining 2016 season and the changes for 2017.

“The rest – the racing and working with the team – doesn’t really change.

“Of course I am very happy to stay with Ferrari. Also I am interested to experience the changes of 2017. Faster cars and wider tyres – that sounds pretty good to me.”