Andretti: Alonso, Raikkonen a risk
Mario Andretti |
Former World Champion Mario Andretti has questioned whether Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen would be able to function effectively as team-mates at Ferrari, amid rumors that the Finn is to return for the 2014 campaign.
Throughout the Italian Grand Prix weekend, speculation grew as to who will complete the team's driver line-up, with Raikkonen, Nico Hülkenberg and Paul di Resta all be mentioned by President Luca di Montezemolo as additional options to Felipe Massa.
However, with turbulent partnerships in mind, led by that of the late Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi, Andretti has cast doubt over Alonso's willingness to accept change.
"We haven't seen two number one [drivers] for a long time there," Andretti, who claimed the 1978 world title, said during an exclusive interview with GPUpdate.net. "Historically, I don't know how that could work. I'm not sure that Fernando would welcome that.
"It will be really interesting to see what direction they take. There are certainly available talents to go there."
Andretti went on to explain that he views Lotus as the best home for Raikkonen, the 33-year-old hitting the ground running when he made his comeback with the outfit.
"Kimi's having the opportunity to assess a lot of things," Andretti commented. "He’s a desirable commodity at this moment and he really seems to be fired up. But I think he’s looking good at Lotus; it’s great for the team to have him there. I also think he elevated [Romain] Grosjean’s game. They’re both capable of bringing in results.
"But this is what makes it all exciting. A lot of things are about to happen."
Raikkonen remains Ferrari's most recent World Champion with his 2007 triumph.