Raikkonen: I don't care what people think

Formula 1 veteran Kimi Raikkonen says he is not bothered that many are beginning to regard him as the number two at Ferrari.

At the team's Finale Mondiali event at Mugello, the Finn insisted that the Maranello team no longer operates a policy of driver inequality.

Nonetheless, German Vettel is now regarded by many as the de-facto lead driver, but Raikkonen is unperturbed and told Auto Bild, "I don't care what people think. It's only important that I know what I'm doing."

"Sebastian and I have similar ideas about how to work together and improve the car, and that's more important than what people say."

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

"I'm doing well, otherwise I would not be in F1 - there is no charity here," the 36-year-old said.

"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," Raikkonen 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.