Alfa Romeo has no doubts about Kimi Raikkonen's motivation for Formula 1 as he considers his future.
The 2007 world champion is having another OK if unspectacular year with only two points to his name as the Swiss team finds themselves often in no-mans land in the midfield, not quite able to fight for points but ahead of the backmarkers.
Yet despite the lack of results, Raikkonen's commitment in trying to help Alfa Romeo improve is unwavering.
“Kimi has become one of the mainstays of our simulator program,” said team boss Fred Vasseur speaking in Formula 1 Magazine.
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“We have made great strides with this in recent months and Kimi really plays a leading role. He’s at the factory before and after every race and it’s good to see how hard he works, that means he is still very motivated.
“Even if we ask Kimi to be in the simulator at 8am, he’ll be there at 8am sharp – with a smile on his face,” the Frenchman chuckled.
On the track too, the Alfa chief has full confidence that Raikkonen still has what it takes to be in F1.
"Sure, just look at what he did in the quali race at Silverstone," he said, noting how the Finn was tied with Fernando Alonso for the most places gained in the 17-lap sprint.
"You know that he made some harsh comments at the end of the race and it's not the first time during the season to his race engineer, but I think it's a huge proof of motivation and commitment."
Raikkonen's disappointment this season was clearly evident when he analysed his season to date.
"Not ups, only downs," he said. "That is where we are. We have some tracks we can be in 10th but usually we are just out of it.
"Normally when we try to fight, there is always some faster cars but we will keep trying and we will see what we can do."
As for Kimi's future, Alfa Romeo is understood to be pursuing Valtteri Bottas for 2022 should he be dropped by Mercedes, but he insists what happens is in his control.
"Obviously, the decision will be in my hands, if I want to go on or not, it is completely my decision in the first place," he said via GPFans.
"I haven’t really thought about it too much. I will go as I feel and see what happens and not stress about any of it. We will see."
