“New rules, new tires and different things that are unknown for teams and drivers, it is difficult to say where we will be next year and how close the teams will be. For many we have had same regs so smaller teams caught up with big teams. Next year the big teams have an advantage and next year who makes the best job with the new car first will have a big advantage. There will be a bigger difference between the teams than in the past,” insisted Raikkonen.
Most F1 teams - except for Ferrari, McLaren and the independent teams - have concentrated their efforts into developing their 2009 car from as early as the mid-season, investing a great deal in their new KERS unit and slick-tire testings.
The reigning world champ also expressed his thoughts about the title race this year, saying that he would do everything in his power to help Massa clinch the title, no matter what critics in or outside Formula 1 might say. Nevertheless, he insisted that the best Ferrari could do is score a 1-2 in Brazil, while the rest is all about luck.
“I know what I need to do for the team and in the end we try to win two championship. I am not interested if people don't like what you say or how it pans out, that is what I am here to do.”
“Felipe in the end does not have anything to lose, even if we are 1-2 it is not up to us any more, McLaren need to make mistakes so they need to be fifth, in the end they have more to lose than us, they have more pressure but we need to have a little bit of luck and if they have a very bad weekend then it is not too difficult, we see every race this year they are more or less there, top four of top five, it will be difficult but you never know,” added Raikkonen.
The Fin managed to upper his game in the season's final two races, scoring back-to-back podiums at Fuji and Shanghai. He won the Brazilian Grand Prix ahead of local favorite and Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa last year.
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