Lauda encourages Ferrari to sign Raikkonen

Lauda

Three-time world champion Niki Lauda has encouraged Ferrari to sign Kimi Raikkonen as a replacement for Felipe Massa in 2014.

Raikkonen is thought to be considering a move away from Lotus due to the financial situation at the team which, according to the Finn, is “not as it should be." Although his previous spell with Ferrari ended on bad terms back in 2009, he is thought to be open to a move back to Maranello, and Lauda believes that it would do the Italian team a world of good.

“He could give the team a boost, as Lewis Hamilton has done at Mercedes," the Austrian explained to Bild. “And he would be in a position to annoy Alonso.

“If I was [Ferrari president] Luca di Montezemolo, I would pick Kimi."

Felipe Massa’s future with the team is – once again – under scrutiny following a disappointing run of results in 2013. The Brazilian has driven for Ferrari since 2006, making him their second-longest serving driver behind Michael Schumacher. However, it appears that his position could be under threat should Raikkonen desire a move to the Italian marque.

Raikkonen was in the running for the seat at Red Bull in 2014, but he confirmed in Belgium that talks had broken down. However, Ferrari have today stated that there will be no driver announcement at Monza, making a swift conclusion to this saga unlikely.