Vettel Doubts Raikkonen Red Bull Pairing for 2014
Sebastian Vettel has cast doubt on the likelihood of Kimi Raikkonen joining him at Red Bull for the 2014 Formula One season, despite ongoing speculation.
Sebastian Vettel has admitted he is not sure how realistic it is for Kimi Raikkonen to join him as a teammate at Red Bull Racing in 2014, as the team considers options for Mark Webber’s replacement. The reigning world champion told Welt am Sonntag that, while he gets on well with Raikkonen, he cannot say whether the Finn will be in the garage next year.
Red Bull has not ruled out signing Raikkonen, with Webber’s future in doubt following the high-profile ‘Multi-21’ dispute in Malaysia, where Vettel ignored team orders and overtook his teammate. Raikkonen, who was racing for Lotus at the time, has been linked to the seat, but Vettel said, “I don’t know how realistic that is.”
Vettel on his relationship with Raikkonen
Vettel clarified that the perception of him and Raikkonen as close friends is exaggerated. He described their relationship as straightforward and honest, saying they get on well at races but do not socialise outside the paddock. “You don’t find your real friends in Formula One,” Vettel said.
Team dynamics after Malaysia
The speculation over Red Bull’s 2014 line-up intensified after the Malaysian Grand Prix, where Vettel openly defied team orders to overtake Webber, later justifying his actions by saying Webber did not “deserve” the win. Vettel said this incident revealed his true character to the public, contrasting with his previous image.
Red Bull’s driver decision for 2014 remained open at the time, with Raikkonen’s prospects under discussion. For further developments, seeRed Bull calm as Raikkonen heads for Ferrari, Ricciardo set for promotion.
