Vettel has proven himself to be a selfish driver over the last few seasons (Malaysia 2013 springs to mind), and not particularly happy to follow team orders. The worst part of that debacle was that he didn’t seem to be punished by the team, which undermined their authority; they did not want to upset their golden boy.
I don’t think Kimi will be too happy going to into a team where he will almost certainly be the number 2 driver, and if he outperforms the German, he won’t be able to fall upon the team for assistance. I can’t imagine Vettel would like someone coming into his team, and then outperforming him.
Admittedly, they are friends away from the track, which may help sway the decision for all parties, but how long can friends stay friends when they’re directly competing against each other in the same car, fighting for race victories and championships?
The Toro Rosso drivers, both in the Red Bull young drivers program, are also tipped to potentially take the vacant seat at their parent team next year. Sebastian Vettel came to Red Bull from Toro Rosso after a few good performances, and Daniel Ricciardo in particular has driven very well in the last few races, perhaps ignited by the chance of driving the best car on the grid.
Taking one of the Toro Rosso drivers would be a risk by Red Bull, especially if someone of the prestige of Raikkonen is available. This move may devalue the young drivers program adopted by Red Bull, but they cannot hire a driver just because he is in the younger, junior team, when a better driver is available.
To conclude, I am not entirely sure whether I want my favourite driver to go into the lion’s den (or is that Bull pen?).
Vettel is a brutal competitor, as you have to be to be as successful as he is, I suppose, and I don’t think Kimi would appreciate that much. However, Kimi can give as good he gets and has proven to be a race winner, as well as a world champion.
Will Kimi stay loyal to the Enstone-based Lotus outfit, the team that gave him a seat when he wanted to come back into the F1 circus? Or will he traverse the 39 mile distance to Milton Keynes, to join Red Bull, and win a seat in a car that will give him the best chance to win another championship.
I will be happy with whatever decision The Iceman decides, and hope that he gets his deserved chance to win many more races and championships.
Vote below if you think Kimi should go to Red Bull next season: