Raikkonen optimistic about Ferrari progression

Kimi Raikkonen believes that things are "falling in the right place" for Ferrari in the 2018 season as they are closer to Mercedes in the constructor's championship than they have been in a few years, even if the Finn and Sebastian Vettel are some way off Lewis Hamilton for the driver's title.

Due to a poor few weeks for Vettel, Hamilton extended his lead at the top of the rankings to 24 points over the German as Formula One headed into its summer break.

However, for the constructors, the race is much closer as Mercedes leads Ferrari by 10 points.

Raikkonen reckons there is room for improvement for the Prancing Horse, and that they need to take advantage of circuits which suit them.

“We have a decent car, we keep improving things" the Finn said.

"It’s a lot to do with the feel, how you feel the car and tyres and all these things.

“Obviously some circuits are better, some conditions are better for one team than other, and I think we’ve been pretty okay most of the places.

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“I think a lot of things will be falling in the right places. There’s still things to improve for us as a whole team, but that’s never-ending.

“It doesn’t matter, even if you win all the races there’s always things to improve. That kind of area in this sport will never stop and I don’t think you are ever good enough in many ways.”

Raikkonen has not won a Grand Prix race this season, but his eight podium positions have hugely contributed to Ferrari improvement in the constructor's championship, even if he is some way off Hamilton.

His current contract with Ferrari runs out at the end of this season, and speculation is mounting that he could be replaced behind the wheel, with Charles Leclerc tipped to take his place.