Sebastian Vettel believes Ferrari was right to retain Kimi Raikkonen.

The German and his Finnish teammate are currently joint third in the standings, and if Ferrari can make the necessary improvements to its chassis and engine, and sort out its continuing strategic errors, the Maranello team might yet mount a challenge to the warring Mercedes duo.

Speaking in the wake of Ferrari's decision to retain the Finn for a fourth season, Vettel said he agreed with the move.

"I think it was the right thing to do," he told the official F1 website. "We are both pushing very hard in the primary target to catch the leaders so there is plenty work ahead of us.

"Kimi and I have the fewest ego problems in the whole paddock," he continued, "and that should be good for the team in the long run. Working in the same direction will pay off. On the track we both race hard, also against each other, but there is no personal agenda attached to it."

Asked if the Finn is the 'easiest' teammate he has ever had, the German said: "He is the least complicated. But in the end I've got along with all my team mates.

"Yes, there have been little issues here and there," he added, bringing back memories of "Multi-21" and "not bad for a number two", "but with Kimi there are no politics, and that is good and keeps everything quiet."

Asked, as we approach mid-season, how he thinks things are going so far, Vettel is equally diplomatic.

"I think we can be happy with our package, but of course not fully satisfied," he replied. "Yes, we've made a significant step forward, closed the gap further, but not where we want to be.

"The step we've made is not as big as we would have wanted. And our races so far have not been the easiest ones - so my guess is if that element of irritation goes away we will be able to show our true colours."

Check out our Saturday gallery, here.