MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) — Kimi Raikkonen has not yet decided if he will step away from the pressures of Formula One at the end of his Ferrari contract in 2009.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, Raikkonen was non-committal in responding to rumours that he is set to leave the sport after the 2009 season.
"There have been rumours like that during many years," said the world champion, when asked about talk of his retirement. "I haven't made any decision if I am going to keep going or not.
"I don't know what is going to happen after next year, I haven't made my mind up. Who knows maybe I will make my decision this year."
Raikkonen, 28, is famous for being uncomfortable with the intense media scrutiny and sponsorship commitments that accompany life at the top of Formula One.
The Finn clinched the driver's world championship in dramatic fashion last season and since then there have been several whispers suggesting his hunger for life in the F1 spotlight may be waning.
"I will race as long as I still enjoy it. It could be in four years' time. It is too early to say," Raikkonen continued. "I like the racing but the other stuff is not always the best thing.
"Everyone in F1 is here because they love racing and driving, but if there are too many things that you don't enjoy or too many things you don't want, it is time to go away.
"It can be anything, it is just when you find something you don't want to do or don't enjoy. If there are many things like that - and there can be many things apart from racing - then probably it is the best time to go away."
The reigning world champion was more certain about his commitment to the Ferrari cause, answering "probably not" when asked whether he would consider racing for another Formula One team.
Should Raikkonen retire, there will be no shortage of contenders to fill one of the most prestigious seats in motorsport.
Ferrari have consistently denied that they are trying to lure double world champion Fernando Alonso away from Renault. However, the Spaniard would surely be the logical first port of call for a leading team in need of a number one driver.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
