Talking to the Formula One fans on the series' official site, Raikkonen confirmed that his failed talks with McLaren Mercedes will result in him leaving the series for one season. As for the Brawn GP talks, the Finn made it very clear that he hasn't discussed anything with the Brackley officials and neither does he think something might be made available in the upcoming few days.
“I could not agree terms with McLaren so I have decided to take a one-year sabbatical. My management held many meetings with McLaren. Unfortunately, certain issues could not be resolved. We knew in the last three or four days that it would be highly unlikely a deal could be reached. Now we know it is definite,” said Raikkonen on F1's official site.
“I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved,” added the Finnish driver.
As for his plans for the future, Raikkonen seems to stick to his original plan: drive something competitive and race-winning, or else quit racing and spend some quality time with his family and friends. Either it will be rallying or Formula One – which he is keen on doing again from 2011 onwards – the only thing that will drive him to it would be the prospect of winning.
“I will look at competing in rallying. Again, naturally I want to drive a competitive car. If not I will spend more time with my family and friends.”
“I will only return in 2011 if I can drive a competitive car. I do not want to race just to make up the numbers. That does not interest me. But there’s a lot of time until then, so let’s wait and see what happens in the months ahead. I have enjoyed my time in F1 and I still have ambitions. In the right circumstances I am very keen to return. The door is open. Let’s see what the future brings.”
“I achieved my dream of winning the drivers’ world championship. I would like to win another championship, but I can only do that if I have a competitive car. It’s that simple,” concluded Raikkonen.
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