Brundle: Kimi should have stepped aside

Former Formula One driver and current pundit and commentator Martin Brundle admires Kimi Raikkonen's desire to continue in the sport despite his advancing years, but ultimately wishes the Finn had stepped aside for younger drivers, many of whom do not have a seat for next season.

On Tuesday morning, it was announced that Raikkonen would step down from his role with Ferrari to move to Sauber, with Charles Leclerc moving the other way to partner Sebastian Vettel.

The news comes as the latest development in a series of stories which have saw drivers move around. Daniel Ricciardo has already joined Renault, Lando Norris has been promoted to McLaren, and Pierre Gasly will drive for Red Bull.

Brundle recognises a "changing of the guard" with more younger drivers coming through, but thinks Raikkonen has did them a disservice by taking up a spot for 2019.

“There is a bit of a changing of the guard going on in Formula 1,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.

“The [Leclerc] move makes sense. It energises Vettel, energises the team. Leclerc is 20 years old and they [Ferrari] can prepare him for the future which is what they need.

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“Raikkonen is a great and popular driver, but in a way I wish he would have moved aside now because there is a lot of great young guys without seats next year at the moment.

“Esteban Ocon would be a good example of that. There is also Stoffel Vandoorne, George Russell coming through leading the F2 World Championship.

“So there is clearly an end game for Raikkonen now, moving to Sauber which will take him to a 41st year and it is a bit surprising [to see him move].

However, Brundle did acknowledge Raikkonen's desire to keep on doing what he loves.

“But I do admire that he wants to carry on racing. I just hope this is not a step too far for him," the F1 pundit added.