May 22 (GMM) The latest name linked with a move to Ferrari is Nico Hulkenberg.
Before Kimi Raikkonen was signed for 2014, 27-year-old German Hulkenberg was linked with a move to the fabled Italian team.
Instead, Hulkenberg is now struggling with Force India, and showing his apparent malcontent by splitting his attention in 2015 between F1 and Le Mans.
“I am a bit disappointed I am not where I want to be,” he admitted in Monaco. “I want to be in a car that is capable of winning and fighting for the title.”
Now, his name has re-emerged in connection with Ferrari, as the resurgent Maranello team ponders whether to take up the ‘option’ in Raikkonen’s contract.
“(Valtteri) Bottas and Hulkenberg?” Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene is quoted as saying by the influential La Gazzetta dello Sport in Monaco.
“There are so many drivers in the paddock, so to name names is completely wrong.
“Let’s concentrate on Kimi as we all hope that he continues as he is doing now, because if you look at the last grands prix, at some times Kimi was the fastest of all,” Arrivabene added.
“We already have very good drivers,” said the Italian, referring also to Sebastian Vettel.
As for Raikkonen, Arrivabene reportedly told Sky Italia: “We have a fast and very, very good driver, which we are satisfied with.
“I am very happy with how things are going with Kimi, and the enthusiasm that he brings to the team, even though he is called ‘the Iceman’.
“When the time comes we will talk with the president, and in one way or another, with his blessing, we will make an announcement,” he promised.