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[andrew]

http://www.yallaf1.com/2011/07/12/raikkonen-to-join-vettel-at-red-bull-in-2012/

Would be an excellent pairing. Any thoughts on how true this is?

[bud]

http://www.yallaf1.com/2011/07/12/raikkonen-to-join-vettel-at-red-bull-in-2012/

Would be an excellent pairing. Any thoughts on how true this is?

Kimi is backed by RedBull in the WRC so its possible. Would be cool to see Kimi back in F1.

[Denthúl]

http://www.yallaf1.com/2011/07/12/raikkonen-to-join-vettel-at-red-bull-in-2012/

Would be an excellent pairing. Any thoughts on how true this is?

Kimi is backed by RedBull in the WRC so its possible. Would be cool to see Kimi back in F1.

I agree, there is unfinished business.

I imagine he'd not respond to team orders either, though...

It would be really cool. I think Raikkonen is possibly one of the fastest drivers I've ever seen and you can't deny that he is good at coming through the field. He could win another championship given a good car. Plus, I like him and his Magnums.

[What's Burning?]

If that's the case then there's a short memory at Red Bull... this statement if from last week.

"On paper a Vettel-Hamilton line-up would be hugely attractive," Horner told reporters at the Red Bull factory. "But you have to look at the reality, at how these things work, and history dictates that two world-class drivers in the same team has not always been the best pairing. You only have to think of Senna-Prost, Piquet-Mansell, or even Alonso and Hamilton.

"We are hugely happy to have Sebastian committed to the team long term, and with Mark [Webber], we're very pleased with the job he is doing. Our focus at present is on those two drivers rather than looking to change anything."

[andrew]

The biggest sticking point for me is that both Vettel and Raikkonen are blisteringly fast and both have the possibility to challenge for the championship. However, I seriously doubt either would sign as a No. 2 driver.

It would be akin to Schumacher and Hakkinen signing for the same team in the late 90's/early 00's. Would have been very messy indeed.

[vlad]

Let's face it, Vettel would smash him. Kimi's been away for some time now.

[Denthúl]

Let's face it, Vettel would smash him. Kimi's been away for some time now.

I have to say, I disagree. I think Raikkonen has more raw pace (much like Hakkinen before him) and has much better racecraft. Getting back in to the sport shouldn't be an issue for him; just look at how inexperienced he was when he first came in to F1...

[FRAFPDD]

Raikonnen would absolutely rinse the floor with him.

[bud]

Let's face it, Vettel would smash him. Kimi's been away for some time now.

wishful thinking Kimi wouldnt be returning as a 40 something, he is still young enough to make a comeback.

[What's Burning?]

At least it's not Hamilton or Alonso.

[andrew]

At least it's not Hamilton or Alonso.

Raikkonen would definately blast those 2 away! I'd pay good (or bad) money to see that!

As for Hamilton or Alonso going to Red Bull, it'll never happen. Alonso will stay at Ferrari until he retires and I can't see Hamilton ever leaving McLaren.

[What's Burning?]

At least it's not Hamilton or Alonso.

Raikkonen would definately blast those 2 away! I'd pay good (or bad) money to see that!

As for Hamilton or Alonso going to Red Bull, it'll never happen. Alonso will stay at Ferrari until he retires and I can't see Hamilton ever leaving McLaren.

Just like in 2009? If we're looking for blasting away that's already happening this year with Vettel, so they don't *NEED* Raikkonen.

[andrew]

But does Raikkonen need them? WRC and NASCAR didn't yield the success hoped for.

[Four mules as one]

I think Vettel would beat Kimi, particularly over the length of a season. Seb is a very intelligent driver now and he is quick. Kimi is very quick some days, very drunk the other. Maybe Red Bull is bringing out mixed alcoholic drinks hence the appeal of signing Raikkonen

Seriously, Its not a bad idea, though. I would say Mark is 50/50 staying at RBR, 50/50 going to Ferrari for a mega dollars send off to his career and why not? I would go there if I was him. Play second fiddle to Alonso, get a lot more podiums and possibly a win or two, maybe even show Fernando up at a few races to show the world that on your day you can be the worlds best.

If Mark does go it presents a problem for the which Toro rosso guy they would consider. Algusauri would probably be preferred as I'm sure Spain would be a massive market to get into plus he is going pretty good at the moment too. But is he ready yet to be the number 2 in the worlds best car?? Consistency and pace wise?? RBR will have won the Constructor's title twice and I'm sure they'd like to remain in contention for that. So maybe Kimi is very appealing then. But does Kimi still have it?? And will he consistently have it over the course of 2012???? Probably. I'd say put any driver in a Red Bull at the moment and they'll wake up smiling everyday.

Personally, I'd give the seat to Alguasauri, provided Mark goes to Ferrari and that he keeps performing and improving on his current pace. Not sure if Adrian Newey would want this though. I think he likes Mark and is experience exactly where it currently is, particularly with the lack of testing. Therefore, I would intelligently say that next years Red Bull Renault drivers will once again be Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. (Would prefer to see MW in red though).

[texasmr2]

It would be exciting too have Kimi return and I honestly think he want's to return, I think he just needed a break from F1.