Ferrari team chief Stefano Domenicali claimed rivals were scared Thursday as the Italian marque hit back at a storm of criticism over their re-signing of former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Domenicali said comments from Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and others questioning Raikkonen’s impact were simply part of a “psychological war” aimed at destabilising his team.
Current lead driver Fernando Alonso and Raikkonen also dismissed the speculation, which has blown up since the “Iceman” was signed up for next season.
“Maybe they’re afraid because we’re strong, because honestly this is part of the psychological war that is part of this environment,” Domenicali said ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“The only thing is that honestly, it’s not so interesting for me because I don’t listen. We have the luxury that everyone can say what they want... funnily enough, you never hear me speak about the others.”
Schumacher has called the pairing of two strong-willed former world champions “explosive”, while McLaren’s Button suggested Ferrari’s move was “great” for other teams.
