Sebastian Vettel is happy with the news Kimi Raikkonen has been signed for another year by Ferrari, saying he and the Finn have "the least ego problems in the whole paddock".
Ferrari ended speculation about its driver line-up by confirming Raikkonen's renewal on Friday morning, tying the Finn down for another season. Raikkonen has a good relationship with Vettel, something both men have spoken about since being paired together in 2015, and Ferrari was wary of upsetting team harmony with a new driver.
Vettel will help the team refocus its efforts on trying to catch Mercedes in 2016.
"I think it's the right thing to do," Vettel said about Raikkonen's renewal. "I think we're both pushing very hard. Our primary target is to catch the leaders, in this case Mercedes, so there's plenty of work ahead of us. There's been a lot of talk now that all goes to quiet and we can focus on our work.
"I would say that probably Kimi and myself have the least ego problems in the whole paddock, which I think is good for the team - we're working in the same direction. On the track we both try to race hard, as we've shown in the past in the races where we've raced for position. I think that's normal. Outside the car I think there's no problem."
Asked about his good relationship with Raikkonen compared to former teammates, he said: "He's the least complicated, let's put it this way. I think in general I got on well with all the teammates I had, here and there I had some difficulties. But that was all politics. He keeps everything quiet, our own egos are put aside which is good for the team."
Raikkonen's performances have been criticised since he returned to Ferrari in 2014, though there has been a noticeable improvement in 2016. Vettel rates Raikkonen as one of the best drivers on the current grid regardless of his recent form.
"He's a world champion for a reason, he could have been a multiple world champion if McLaren had given him a better car. I think he's one of the most talented drivers we have on the current grid, there's no doubt."
Another former world champion, Jenson Button, reacted to Vettel's ego quote on social media.
Come again?! https://t.co/sT7qkBnGv2
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) July 8, 2016