Kimi Raikkonen has rubbished claims he has signed on for one more year at Alfa Romeo in 2021.
Ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix, speculation has been intense that the 2007 world champion, who turns 41 later this month, has agreed to continue for a 19th Formula 1 season.
Some rumours even went as far as claiming an announcement on Alfa Romeo’s 2021 line-up will be made on Friday at the Nurburgring.
But talking to the media, Raikkonen made it pretty clear there’s nothing to those stories.
“If you believe the news then it’s the truth but I’ve never had an option in my contract [to extend] so maybe that tells you that it’s not true,” he was quoted by Crash.net
“I read so many things in the news over the years that I stopped reading them because 90% is far from the truth and 10% is something to do with it.
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“I haven’t signed anything. I didn’t sign last week or a month ago, or yesterday or today, so we will see.
“I don’t know [if I will be around next year], nothing has been decided yet.
“We have had some talks with the team and it’s obviously my decision at the end and we will see what we want to do.”
Earlier this year, it was understood Raikkonen may well retire as Alfa find themselves struggling to compete in the upper midfield fight.
A few stronger races later though, including points at Mugello, Kimi insists he’s still happy.
“I enjoy racing but obviously we have a lot more fun when you do better,” he said.
“It’s not definitely been where we want to be or what we were aiming but early on it was very clear we are not where we want to be for many reasons.
“But the racing I still enjoy and we still have good battles. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t enjoy it.”
According to the rumours, Raikkonen’s teammate next year will be Mick Schumacher in what would certainly be a nostalgic pairing.
The German is also set to drive for Alfa Romeo in FP1 on Friday at the Nurburgring, and the ‘Iceman’ was full of praise for the 21-year-old.
“We have spoken some years back already and he’s a great guy,” Raikkonen said of the Ferrari junior.
“He’s a copy of his father in many ways and it’s great to see him. I think it’s nice that he’s in the car tomorrow.
“It’s only for Practice 1 and hopefully the weather will be okay so we get normal running.
“If it’s miserable like today it’s not going to be that much fun but I think it’s great to see him doing his first FP1, and especially with us.”