Ferrari refuted claims by Button and others that the arrival of Raikkonen from Lotus would cause issues between him and Alonso. PHOTO: AFP
Domenicali said comments from Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and others questioning Raikkonen’s impact were simply part of a ‘psychological war’ aimed at destabilising his team.
Current lead driver Fernando Alonso and Raikkonen also dismissed the speculation, which has blown up since the ‘Iceman’ was signed up for next season.
“Maybe they’re afraid because we’re strong, because honestly this is part of the psychological war that is part of this environment,” said Domenicali ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“The only thing is that honestly, it’s not so interesting for me because I don’t listen. We have the luxury that everyone can say what they want... funnily enough, you never hear me speak about the others.”
Schumacher has called the pairing of two strong-willed former world champions ‘explosive’, while McLaren’s Button suggested Ferrari’s move was ‘great’ for other teams.
“I don’t think they’ll be trying to help the other driver,” said the Briton. “A guy that’s achieved what they’ve achieved will not want to be helping out his teammate.”
Raikkonen, 33, world champion with Ferrari in 2007, said he saw no reason why he could not work well with 32-year-old Alonso, who won the title in 2005 and 2006.
“I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work,” said the Finn. “We are all old enough to know what we are doing and I’m sure the team is doing all the right things.
“If there’s something, I’m sure we can talk it through. It’s not like we are 20-year-old guys any more. I might be wrong but I’m pretty sure things will be good.
“I’m sure there will be hard fights on the race circuit, sometimes things go wrong, but I’m pretty sure it will be okay.”
Raikkonen leaving Lotus over money
However Raikkonen, in comments which are unlikely to ease fears over how he will settle in, also revealed he left Lotus in a row over money, claiming they had failed to pay his salary.
“The reason why I left the team is purely from the money side — the thing is, I haven’t got my salary, which is unfortunate,” said Raikkonen.
Raikkonen did not go into further detail, but reports have said Lotus have fallen behind in payments to the Finn.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2013.
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