Kimi Raikkonen signs new one-year deal with Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari walks across the paddock during practice for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on April 17, 2015
© Getty Images
Kimi Raikkonen signs a new one-year contract with Ferrari, meaning that he will be part of the Formula 1 team for the 2018 season.

Ferrari have announced that Kimi Raikkonen has signed a new one-year deal with the Formula 1 team.

The 37-year-old was due to be out of contract at the end of this year, and despite being in the shadow of teammate Sebastian Vettel, the Finn has opted to stay.

A statement from the F1 team read: "Ferrari announces that Scuderia Ferrari has renewed its technical and racing agreement with Kimi Raikkonen. The Finnish driver will therefore race for the Maranello team in the 2018 Formula One World Championship."

There were doubts over Raikkonen's future when Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne described the driver as a "laggard" ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, but it seems that both parties are keen for the relationship to continue.

There has been no official confirmation as yet with regards to Vettel's contract situation.

Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari looks on as he sits in the garage during final practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 5, 2015
Read Next:
Vettel wants one-year Ferrari extension
>
You May Like
Recomended from Sports Mole