Raikkonen said he would likely look at competing in rally racing while spending more time with family and friends next season. "That could easily be the difference between winning and losing.'' If you look at how close the whole grid was this year, if a driver can lap two-tenths faster, that is worth many positions on the grid,'' he said. "I feel a good driver can make a bigger difference nowadays. "But there's a lot of time until then, so let's wait and see what happens in the months ahead.''īutton reportedly came at a lower price for McLaren, but Raikkonen said he is worth his asking price. That does not interest me," Raikkonen said. "I do not want to race just to make up the numbers. Raikkonen said he thinks Mercedes will look to field two German drivers after buying out the British team. The 30-year-old Finn said he saw McLaren as his "best opportunity to win races and challenge for the drivers' championship.'' Raikkonen said he has not held talks with Button's former Brawn team – now Mercedes GP – which is still looking for a replacement. "And to be honest, I will only return in 2011 if a competitive drive is available.'' "I could not agree to terms with McLaren so I have decided to take a one-year sabbatical," the 2007 world champion told F1's official Web page.
McLaren opted to sign current champion Jenson Button to partner with Lewis Hamilton. The Finnish driver, who was replaced by Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, said he prefers to take a year off and wait for a spot with a competitive team after failing to reach a deal with McLaren.
LONDON – Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen confirmed Thursday that he will take a one-year sabbatical from Formula One next season and said it's uncertain whether he will return in 2011.
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