Raikkonen And Vettel Will Make An Unstoppable F1 Pairing

Image source: Octane Photographic

Everyone's favourite F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen is currently a man in high demand. Current employer Lotus is naturally keen to retain the Finn for 2014, while Red Bull is fighting hard to have him partner Sebastian Vettel next year. New reports also suggest that former employer Ferrari is looking into re-hiring Raikkonen next season with Felipe Massa's contract sure to end.

Image source: Octane Photographic

A report in Germany's Bild newspaper claims that Ferrari "has made the Finn an offer," which is said to be "more lucrative" than the deal promised by Red Bull. It was reportedly proposed to Raikkonen on the Thursday of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Bild also reported that Red Bull's deal is thought to be a $15 million retainer, including performance bonuses and sponsorship of his motorcross team.

Ferrari's current driver Fernando Alonso has also been linked with a switch to Red Bull Racing, as has current Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Image source: Octane Photographic

Reports of Alonso's potential move come after tensions between Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and Alonso after the Spaniard criticised Ferrari's current car, which has fallen behind those of Red Bull, Lotus and Mercedes. Alonso finished a distant fifth at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Alonso is contracted to drive for Ferrari until 2016 and it is unclear whether he would want to partner Vettel and gain equal number one status, rather than the current team leader position he has at Ferrari.

Vettel has also made it clear that he would prefer Raikkonen as a team-mate if it were a choice between both drivers. If we were to bet, our money would be on Vettel and Raikkonen making for an unstoppable force together next year. What do you predict?