Kimi Raikkonen insists that Ferrari has made good progress since last year, despite Red Bull emerging in recent races as the main challenger to Mercedes.
The Finn, who has earned three podiums thus far in 2016, says that the package still has potential, and the team knows what it has to do.
“We know what we’ve done, we’re definitely more strong in the car and other areas than we were last year,” said Raikkonen. “Maybe the results haven’t shown it exactly, but it’s not been the easiest start for us as a team, but we know that as long as we do our stuff and keep working it will pay off.
“As I say, it’s not been what we’re looking for exactly, but the package has improved and we’re working on that all the time. We know our weaknesses and where we have to improve. Obviously you always look for better results and wins, putting the two cars up there, but so far it’s been a bit tricky this start of the year, but we are more or less there, so we keep doing the same things.”
Raikkonen played down the significance of a turbo and compressor upgrade that the team has brought this weekend.
“This is a step forward. How much, time will tell. It’s a new part and we would never put any new parts on the car if we didn’t think it improves, but is it going to be what kind of step? I don’t expect any miracles suddenly, but it’s the right direction and it’s something that’s been for a while that we’ve been waiting to have it.
“It’s more like any other new parts we bring, it’s not suddenly something magic, so it’s a very normal work in progress for us as a team, as Ferrari, and it’s going in the right direction all the time.”
Meanwhile, Kimi said that he still doesn't know where his future lies.
“I don’t know anything more. You guys seem to be knowing a lot every week, this and that. It’s not in my decision in the end. I always said I’m happy to be here, I hope I will be here for helping Ferrari get where we want to get as a team. What happens in the future, we will see.”
