Raikkonen tipped to earn 2019 Ferrari seat

Kimi Raikkonen has been tipped to remain with Ferrari in 2019, by the man who is reportedly trying to lure him away from Formula 1. Raikkonen has been linked with a return to the World Rally Championship with Toyota next year, but the team's boss says it looks unlikely he will swap.

Raikkonen raced 21 times in WRC after leaving F1, and Ferrari, in 2009, although the Finn returned to the sport in 2012 with lotus and finished third in the drivers' championship.

The Iceman made his WRC debut racing for Tommy Makinen's team, the four-time world champion who has since moved to Toyota as team principal.

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Makinen was a guest of Raikkonen's at the Monaco Grand Prix, but says he was not there to discuss his compatriot's future.

"I have not talked to Kimi about it," he told Ilta Sanomat newspaper.

"It is rumoured that he could possibly continue with Ferrari. He has been doing excellently this year and the results would have been much better without bad luck.

"I would like to see Kimi continue where he is currently."

Raikkonen said recently that his passion for F1 has not diminished and he remains passionate about racing in the World Championship into 2019.

"It's not my decision. It depends on the team and they know exactly what I want," said Raikkonen.

"I do not drive in Formula 1 if I do not have fun.

"The pleasure of driving is the only thing that keeps me here. I can do without everything else, even though it's the way it is."

Raikkonen has talked up his relationship with team-mate Sebastian Vettel, who has been a staunch defender of the Finn amid criticism of his performances in recent seasons.

The 38-year-old has picked up in 218, though, scoring three podiums in the opening six races.