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Raikkonen says he's doing his best after Marchionne 'laggard' claim

Kimi Raikkonen says he is doing his maximum to get better Formula 1 results following comments from Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne saying he was a "a bit of a laggard".

Marchionne told reporters at the Red Bull Ring that Raikkonen needed to show a "higher level of commitment", having been overshadowed by teammate Sebastian Vettel so far this year.

Asked about Marchionne's comments, the 2007 world champion, who finished fifth in the Austrian Grand Prix, insisted he is trying as hard as possible to get his season back on track.

"Obviously I want to do well," said Raikkonen.

"My team wants to do well, and I can only do the best that I can. It's not like I'm not trying.

"Unfortunately it's not been very straightforward sometimes, but that's part of the plan and we keep pushing and I'm sure things will work out better."

The German has won three races and leads the championship with 171 points, while Raikkonen is on 83 down in fifth position.

Raikkonen's contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the season, and Marchionne's comments keep up the pressure on him.

"I think Kimi has got to show a higher level of commitment to the process," Marchionne told Reuters before the start of the Austrian Grand Prix.

"There are days when I think he's a bit of a laggard, but we'll see."

Zdroj: autosport.com