Raikkonen responds to McLaren rumours

Kimi Raikkonen has responded in typical fashion to reports linking him with a move to McLaren in 2019. The Ferrari veteran is a rumoured target for the team he used to drive for, as uncertainty grows over Fernando Alonso's long-term commitment to Formula 1.

Raikkonen is yet to win a grand prix since returning to the Scuderia in 2014, but has retained a seat alongside Sebastian Vettel for the past four years.

The impressive debut of Ferrari junior driver Charles Leclerc with Sauber has reportedly put pressure on the Finn, however, and Raikkonen admitted during Thursday's press conference that he will not expect a decision to be made on his future until the end of 2018.

Raikkonen raced for McLaren for five years and fits an apparent high-profile nature of McLaren's search for a potential Alonso replacement, amid reports linking them with a big-money move for Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

Asked if he or his representatives had spoken to McLaren, the Finn replied: "I spoke to them in the past a lot as obviously I used to be there.

"But I have zero interest in getting involved in all the nonsense, in my view.

"You usually write what you decide yourself, whether it's true or not.

"But it's the same as always, every year, we'll see."

Alonso has been linked with a switch to IndyCar in 2019 after his victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Victory in the showpiece World Endurance Championship event means Alonso just needs to win the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar's flagship race, in order to secure the 'Triple Crown' - a feat only achieved previously by Graham Hill.