Arrivabene backs 'sensitive Iceman' Raikkonen

Ferrari's team boss has backed Kimi Raikkonen after a difficult start to the 2015 season for the Finn.

While new teammate Sebastian Vettel has finished on the podium in all three races so far, Raikkonen is just fifth in the 2015 championship.

He ran into trouble in both Australia and Malaysia, and technical boss James Allison even sounded critical of Raikkonen after qualifying in Shanghai.

But then Raikkonen, 35, had a strong Chinese grand prix, finishing just behind Vettel for fourth place.

He also won the full backing of team boss Maurizio Arrivabene.

"Seb and Kimi are completely different characters," the Italian was quoted by Speed Week after the race in China.

"Vettel is psychologically very strong. Kimi needs to feel the support of the team.

"I always have to smile a little when 'Iceman' is mentioned. In truth, he is a very sensitive person.

"It was important that he knows ... clearly in Malaysia we were as joyful as children with Sebastian's victory, but no one should forget what an outstanding race Kimi did.

"I could not imagine a better driver pairing," Arrivabene added.

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: