Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle believes Kimi Raikkonen should have retired from Formula 1 rather than join Sauber in 2019.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed the Finn would be leaving Ferrari and replaced by Charles Leclerc, however, in a surprise swap, he will go the other way to the team that he started his career with in 2001.
In the former McLaren driver’s mind, however, all Kimi’s decision to stay on the grid does is fill a seat that could have been given to a more needy driver.
“There is a bit of a changing of the guard going on in Formula 1,” Brundle told the British broadcaster.
“The move makes sense. It energises Vettel, energises the team. Leclerc is 20 years old and they [Ferrari] can prepare him for the future which is what they need.
“Raikkonen is a great and popular driver, but in a way, I wish he would have moved aside now because there is a lot of great young guys without seats next year at the moment.
“Esteban Ocon would be a good example of that. There is also Stoffel Vandoorne, George Russell coming through leading the F2 world championship.
“So there is clearly an end game for Raikkonen now, moving to Sauber which will take him to his 41st year and it is a bit surprising, but I do admire that he wants to carry on racing. I just hope this is not a step too far for him.”
A former Sauber driver has backed the 38-year-old’s decision, however, with Mika Salo believing this could be part of a longer-term project.
“F1 is a business and Kimi’s name brings sponsors, finances and a better financial base. It’s a big deal for Sauber,” he claimed.
“As expectations are not terribly high, he can race without pressure. Maybe he can drive a bit more relaxed.
“There are also a few stories around that Kimi would like to buy into Sauber as well,” he added. “In my opinion, this is about more than just driving.”