F1: 'Kimi and I have the least problems' - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has welcomed Ferrari's decision to retain Kimi Raikkonen as his team-mate for 2017 as he believes they have the "least ego problems" of any Formula 1 pairing.

Ferrari announced it would keep Raikkonen into a fourth straight season on Friday morning, continuing his partnership with Vettel into a third year.

"We're both pushing hard, trying to help the team as much as we can, putting our own interests aside and not letting that impact on the team's effort, so I think it was the right call," said Vettel. "I would say probably Kimi and myself have the least ego problems in the whole paddock, which I think is good for the team.

"It's the least complicated, let's put it this way. In general, I've got along with all the teammates I've had. Here and there we've had some difficulties but with Kimi, there is no politics.

"It's good, it keeps everything quiet. We put our own egos aside, they are not so big, which is good for the team."

Although Raikkonen's low-key form since he rejoined Ferrari has much widely criticized, Vettel defended the Finn.

"He's a world champion for a reason," he argued. "He could have been a multiple world champion if in the early years McLaren gave him a better car. He's one of the most talented drivers we have on the grid. There's no doubt."

Vettel added that he was relieved the speculation over Raikkonen's future was over.

"It's important, there has been a lot of talk," he said. "Now that all goes to quiet and we can focus on our work."

Raikkonen was also pleased the question marks over his future had been removed.

"I'm happy to get this done now and we can put all the effort into racing and not into answering the same questions," he said. "Obviously it helps and shows the team believe in me."

Originally on Autosport.com