Arrivabene: Changing Kimi would have been a mistake

Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene has defended the decision to keep Kimi Raikkonen on board for 2016.

Earlier this year, the Maranello team looked poised to swap the older Finn for a younger one, but Valtteri Bottas is instead staying at Williams.

Raikkonen's new deal coincided with a spike in performance for the 36-year-old, but he has once again entered a period that has left many wondering if it was the right choice to keep him at Ferrari for 2016.

Arrivabene, however, told Movistar: "Changing Kimi would have been a mistake."

Clearly, the harmony between friends Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel was instrumental in Ferrari's decision, as the fabled team moves on in the wake of the more tumultuous Fernando Alonso era.

"I am pleased that he has brought balance to the team," Arrivabene explained. "He [Raikkonen] pushes Sebastian very hard and that is very important. Kimi has found himself in certain situations because of misfortune, but he works really hard."

Raikkonen is not even concerned that, based on his performances, there has been criticism that Ferrari re-signed him for 2016.

The veteran Finn who won Ferrari's last F1 world title back in 2007 is adamant, "I’m doing well, otherwise I would not be in F1 – there is no charity here."

"Yes, I’m disappointed because many things have not gone well for me, but it has been better for me than last year was and I am sure we can improve more next year," he added.

Raikkonen’s 2015 record has been somewhat disappointing with only two podiums, no wins and 123 points coupled to five DNFs of which at least three were of his own doing. His teammate Vettel has won three races thus far this season.