Kimi Raikkonen is targeting a much stronger title challenge in 2018 with Ferrari after seeing this season compromised by a lack of confidence with the car and retirements.

The Finn has been under pressure at different stages for his performances with President Sergio Marchionne even calling him a "laggard" after the Austrian Grand Prix but that all changed following the Scuderia's one-two in Hungary and the 2007 world champion was re-signed for another year.

Raikkonen has shown glimpses of his best too notably his pole in Monaco, even if he was overhauled by Vettel in the race, but it has been the feeling that the 'Iceman' is now a number two to his teammate which have left many to wonder if he is capable of winning regularly and adding a second title to his name.

The man himself, however, has no such doubts believing other issues have compromised his pace in 2017.

“Obviously I want to be fighting at the front, every weekend, to be able to fight for the championship next year,” he said on Thursday, stating his ambitions for next year.

“We started this year pretty badly, we were not where we should have been. Personally, on my side, I was not very happy with the set-up and it took quite a long time to figure it out. Since then it has been better, but we’ve also had too many DNF for different reasons.”

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Raikkonen is also confident Ferrari is already in a position to meet his target and will be even stronger having learnt the lessons for the problems faced in the second half of the season. 

“As a team we’ve come a long way from year to year, even from last year we’ve done a good step to get where we want,” he claimed. “What we want is for Ferrari to win both championships, but I think we have the right tools to do it.

“Next year we need tidy up things and not make mistakes and then we should be OK. It’s the small things, here and there, that have played a big part this year.

“In the end we have a great car, great tools, now there are two races to go and we’ll try to make the most out of them,” Kimi added, “doing the same work we’ve been doing in the last few races and then, next year, we start from zero next year and we move forward.”

Former McLaren driver and now the owner of various racing teams, Michael Andretti admits he has his "eyes open" on a future venture into Formula 1 though has nothing planned for now.

The son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti never reached the heights of his father, only contesting 13 races with the British team in 1993, but has gone on to success as a team owner with stakes in IndyCar, rallycross, Formula E and Supercars in Australia from 2018.

It was his Andretti Autosport team that McLaren and Fernando Alonso joined up with at the Indianapolis 500 earlier this year, though it would be teammate Takuma Sato who won the race with the Spaniard retiring with engine failure.

Interest in F1 is rising with new owners Liberty Media keen to introduce major changes to even up the playing field, that is one of the main reasons the American is monitoring the situation, but Andretti does concede he would need help to make an F1 entry a reality.

"Obviously it comes down to having a backer, as I can't afford to do it myself," he told DW Motorsport. "There's been a few deals that started to go somewhere and then they didn't but we're always keeping our eyes open."

Interest in the States is rising too, with the new American leadership keen to increase the appeal while NASCAR team owner Gene Haas started Haas F1 in 2016 becoming the first outfit from across the Atlantic since Shadow in 1980.

Recent McLaren progress and penalties for others should mean the first consecutive top 10 finish of the year is "guaranteed"  for Fernando Alonso at the Brazilian Grand Prix, should he have a problem-free weekend.

The Spaniard scored just third points of the season two weeks ago in Mexico, losing out to a recovering Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps to fall to 10th place. That came after what even Alonso admitted was a surprisingly strong weekend for the British team, with the double world champion recovering from a grid penalty to score the final point.

Now, with no current hurdles standing in their way at Interlagos, the 36-year-old hopes the better pace continues, enabling him to show the potential of the car that he claims has been hidden due to various reasons.

“I think we need to see what the weather forecast is, how we perform in this circuit,” Fernando said cautiously at first. “Definitely there is a chance, there are may be some penalties going on for some of our competitors so it could be a good weekend to score points.

“I think lately we’ve been quite competitive and we lost big points because of reliability issues and some races we were in the points, in some others we took penalties and we start at the back and we didn’t arrive to big points either.

“I think [if] we have a good weekend, no issues on Friday, no issues on Saturday, no issues on Sunday I think the points are guaranteed. We need to deliver that result.”

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There are several comparisons that can be drawn between Interlagos and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, both have long main straights with technical infield sections and Sao Paulo is second to Mexico City in terms of altitude, even if the effects in Brazil are much less profound.

Therefore, though Alonso did confess he hoped the "best race of the year" in Mexico wasn't "circuit-specific" he was pleased with the improvements made in the second half of 2017 and was positive looking forward to the change to Renault engines next season.

“I think from Hungary onwards every step we introduced in the car was quite positive, even in Spa and Monza but because of the layout we didn’t prove it,” he claimed.

“I think we are in the right direction. Definitely, it’s still a little bit to catch the top guys, in terms also of the chassis, but I think we are optimistic, we know our strengths, and we know our weaknesses and we need to make sure that in March next year we attack all of them.”

Max Verstappen has backed the call for permanent stewards to be introduced in Formula 1, believing the collaboration they and drivers could form would improve the standard of racing.

The issue of stewarding has been back in the spotlight in recent weeks following the Red Bull driver's controversial post-race penalty in Austin when he was given a five-second penalty for cutting the corner during a last lap move on Kimi Raikkonen.

A week later in Mexico, and with different stewards in race control, the Dutchman was again involved in an investigation for impeding Valtteri Bottas but would not be punished, perhaps highlighting the inconsistency race-to-race.

Other drivers have had complaints too, with Romain Grosjean dismayed at a track limits penalty, another hot topic after Austin, awarded after he ran wide while battling Fernando Alonso but Sebastian Vettel wasn't even investigated for passing Felipe Massa despite running all four wheels off at Turn 4.

“I think at the end of the day, yes, it would be better,” Verstappen told NBC Sports when asked if he wanted the FIA to keep the same stewarding line-up.

“At least then, (with) the stewards … you know who you’re working with, they start to understand the driver a bit better because you share more times together, more races together.

“I honestly think we have to head into that direction.”

Currently the only permanent member of the stewarding panel is Race Director Charlie Whiting while, several years ago, an ex-driver was added to try and add a different perspective to incidents that happen on track.

Lewis Hamilton was refusing to become embroiled in the "storm" surrounding his tax situation after being named in the Paradise Papers, insisting the matter will not distract him from racing this weekend.

In the documents leaked to German media revealing the tax and financial situation of many large companies, businessmen and politicians, it was claimed the Mercedes driver was given a £3.3 million VAT refund by UK tax authorities after relocating his private plane to the Isle of Man.

Earlier this week, his representatives issued a statement claiming Hamilton had been reassured his tax dealings were "above board" with the man himself giving his first comments when talking to reporters on Thursday in Brazil.

“Obviously right now there is a bit of a storm surrounding me. There are many different stories around, but I don't have anything to add to the whole scenario that has happened," he told the Independent.

"It doesn't distract me from my core values, and also what I am here to do, which is to try and win the Brazilian Grand Prix for the second time in my life."

The news resulted in backlash towards the 32-year-old from many on social media, but Hamilton refused to let it detract from the success he has had this year, securing a fourth F1 title at the last race in Mexico.

"I have just come back from an eight-day holiday with close family and friends, and had the best time ever," he said. "It was just amazing to be able to share this great experience of winning the world championship with these people who have been a part of my life.

"So I come here with this greatest feeling, amazing energy, and want to absorb that positive energy and try to shine my light as bright as I can here in Brazil.

"I have had this huge wave of positive energy and nothing can really dent that. I carry that here, and I am solely focused on trying to win the race this weekend."

Sao Paulo Mayor Joao Doria insists the future of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos is safe until 2020, despite the likely sale of the legendary circuit in the coming months.

One of Formula 1's most anticipated and historic races has been under threat in recent years due to the rising cost of hosting the event and calls to upgrade facilities at what is officially called the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.

With concerns over the financial viability of the circuit, owned by the city of Sao Paulo, it is to be sold to a private company with F1 tyre supplier Pirelli and even former CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who has regularly questioned the sustainability of the Brazil race, believed to be interested.

Despite the pending change in ownership, Mayor Doria insists there will be no impact on the future of F1 racing at Interlagos.

"This will probably be the last Brazilian Grand Prix with the city still in control," he is quoted by local publication Globo. "Next year, the circuit will be auctioned but while there will be a new owner, the contract with F1 will be strictly obeyed until 2020."

Indeed, Doria added: "Our wish is then that F1 will continue in 2021, 2022, and for a long time. The idea is that it continues for three or four decades."

This year marks 45 years since the first Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos back in 1972, then the circuit was just under twice the length of the current layout with a long outer loop which curled back into the infield which is still mostly used today.

The current incarnation, which sees the outer loop now turn down into the infield section at the famous Senna 'S' has been used in F1 since 1991. 

Carlos Sainz admits he is surprised by how competitive he has been after leaving Toro Rosso to replace Jolyon Palmer at Renault from the United States Grand Prix last month.

While it was a troubled weekend for Nico Hulkenberg in Austin, the Spaniard walked into the Enstone outfit at CotA and out-qualified the German at the first attempt, something Palmer had not done all year long.Then, when Hulkenberg retired from the race, Sainz stepped up to finish seventh earning him plaudits aplenty from his new bosses and others.

Already the battle between the two drivers looks set to be one of the most enthralling in 2018, with thousandths of a second usually the gap in most sessions, and though the momentum wasn't maintained in Mexico with both Renault drivers retiring, the 23-year-old is confident he is settling in further with each passing day.

"I knew from the past when I switched teams in the lower categories, or when I did a test in F1 in 2013, that I could adapt very quickly to whatever you give me," he said in Brazil on Thursday.

"I know I am good at that, but I didn't expect to be so competitive right from the start. It has been a positive start in that sense.

"I still have a long way to go and I think Nico is still a couple of steps ahead, but I am catching up and hopefully I can catch up before the end of the season."

After getting a first sample of what has been the main weakness of Renault this year, the unreliability, Sainz admits improvements to the engine are going to be crucial, however, from the works team perspective, he has no doubt the continued establishment of the workforce back at base will be just as important.

"I think the main progress has to come from the power unit and reliability and that will immediately help our chances of being higher in the standings," he stated.

"As well as that, with all the infrastructure and all the resources back in Enstone, I can only see the team going forward from now. They all look positive and motivated and it is good to see - it is good to arrive at a team where everyone is so happy and motivated."

Currently, Sainz is at Renault on loan from the Red Bull stable, with the second generation racing driver the backup option should Daniel Ricciardo decide to leave the Milton Keynes outfit at the end of 2018.

After recent comments by the Australian about his future, there is some uncertainty and therefore, already speculation that Sainz's stay with the French manufacturer will be short-lived.

Offering his view, however, he claimed: "Everything about 2019 and the Red Bull rumours do not interest me right now."

Valtteri Bottas admits Mercedes set him a minimum target of second place for the 2017 season as he looks to overhaul Sebastian Vettel in the two remaining races.

The Finn, who saw his title hopes evaporate courtesy of a poor run of form following the summer break, is currently 15 points behind the German.

After Mercedes clinched the constructors' title and Lewis Hamilton wrapped up the drivers' championship last time out in Mexico, securing an overall one-two is their final objective.

"I think that’s definitely a good target for us as a team," the former Williams driver said. 

"We've secured the drivers’ championship with Lewis and, as a team, the constructors’ so it’s always good to have a target, have something to aim for.

"For me, personally, second is always better than third, even if it’s not first place."

Should he manage to nip ahead of the Ferrari driver, his first season at the Silver Arrows could be considered a broad success. 

Asked if finishing in the top two was one of Mercedes' expectations, he replied: "Yes, as a minimum.

"As a team we really want to finish one-two in the championship, but I think it’s not going to be easy, for sure," he said. 

"We’ve seen Ferrari has been really quick everywhere, Sebastian has been strong all season, so we really need to perform well if we want that kind of result."

Hamilton and Bottas have maintained a good rapport throughout the season, and it has been suggested that the Briton could help his team-mate snatch P2.

"Knowing him, for sure he wants to win the two races we’ve left," the 28-year-old said.

"For sure we both want to win and hopefully we’ll be able to fight on track. I don’t know – it’s up to him if he wants to do anything else to help me secure the second place.

"As a team we know we really want to finish one and two, so it depends as every situation is always different."

Felipe Massa hopes he can enjoy one last good result at his home race as the Williams driver prepares for his final Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, after announcing his retirement last weekend.

The Sao Paulista, who grew up racing on the kart track located just outside the gates of the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, has had success with two wins for Ferrari in 2006 and memorably 2008 but in recent years it hasn't been so enjoyable with a penalty costing a good result in 2013, disqualification in 2015 and the crash in the wet last year.

The scenes of the 15-year F1 veteran returning to the pit-lane afterwards and being given a guard of honour by some teams remain emotional even if they turned out to be premature and Massa hopes the circumstances will be different when saying goodbye for sure on Sunday.

"Brazil, my home race! It is always very special, and I will never forget what happened last year. Last year’s result was terrible, but the love, people and reception I witnessed was amazing," he said.

"It’s fantastic to race at home, in the place where I started my career, and I’m looking forward to having a good race. I’ve had many good races in Brazil. Unfortunately, the last two years I didn’t but I really hope we can this year and I can enjoy being in my town, with my people.

"I really hope we have a good result, that is the most important thing."

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On Thursday, the 36-year-old appeared in the press conference, before the action at Interlagos gets underway on Friday, and he was asked what he will take away from his extra year on the grid, after putting off retirement to replace former teammate Valtteri Bottas.

"I think I definitely enjoyed to drive the car for all these rules that have been changed from last year to this year," he said. "It’s a lot of fun this car to drive, a lot more downforce. I definitely enjoyed it a lot.

"Unfortunately I was a little bit unlucky in some races otherwise I could have scored massive points. I expected maybe a season that would have been a litle bit more competitive than how we were.

"But I definitely enjoyed having fun by driving the car. I’m happy that I’ve been able to take the best out of this car when I didn’t have any problems. I think it was a season that I definitely enjoyed. I think it will be nice to remember this season, the way you drive this car, for many years to come."

Sebastian Vettel remains confident he can achieve his life-long goal of winning the Formula 1 championship with Ferrari, despite seeing his first opportunity slip in 2017.

The German at worst co-led the standings for the first 12 rounds of the year, after winning the first race in Australia, but after losing it following Lewis Hamilton's win at Monza the wheels would fall off with two retirements in the next three races, allowing the Mercedes driver to build a healthy lead and eventually secure his fourth title in Mexico.

While there was some disappointment, obviously, Vettel he is not in a rush with his project at the Scuderia and believes they are now closer than ever to achieving the success he desires.

"That's not the way I look at it, I don't count the days," he told Sky Sports when asked if he was frustrated not to finish the job this season. "I want to win the world championship for Ferrari. That's what I want. That's my goal and we have to realise that it doesn't work out this year. We still have a lot in us as a team, so that should make it easier to fight."

After Hamilton secured the title, the 30-year-old was gracious conceding it was "his year" and would then brush aside suggestions he was beaten by a superior car rather than a superior driver.

"I don't like that," Vettel said. "We had a straight fight. It was great for us this year, as well for them, but I don't want to in any way take any glory away from him. He deserves every bit of it. Two races to go, he seals the championship and he deserves to win."