Report: Raikkonen to take drive and part-ownership with Sauber in 2019

Martin Macdonald

Monday 10 September 2018 12:56

Kimi Raikkonen's drive for next season could finally be decided, according to reports from Finland, which suggest the Ferrari driver could be set to replace Charles Leclerc at Sauber ahead of the 2019 campaign, with Leclerc set to move the other way.

Recent reports have suggested that Raikkonen is to be replaced by Leclerc, in line with the wishes of former Ferrari chairman, Sergio Marchionne, who passed away over the summer.

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However, the current Ferrari management are thought to prefer 38-year-old Raikkonen ahead of 20-year-old Leclerc for the moment, with the latter continuing his development with Sauber.

The F1 world has been poised for the announcement that Leclerc would be driving for the Scuderia in the 2019 season, but it appears to have been delayed which has only shrouded the situation in more mystery.

Now, the latest development reported by Finnish outlet, Ilta Sanomat, is that Raikkonen could actually swap positions with Leclerc ahead of the 2019 season.

Thereafter, Raikkonen would retire from driving and move behind the scenes with Sauber in a management capacity as well as receiving part-ownership.

The 2007 world champion has previously raced for Sauber, and this decision to secure his drive for another year as well as his post-racing career could be one which appeases everyone.