22/12/2015
NEWS STORY
Though 275 points down on champions Mercedes, it's fair to say that 2015 was a good year for Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel's three wins having helped tick most of the boxes on the team's 'to do' list.
Looking to make the most of the short break before work begins again, the Ferrari duo appear content with season past if a little cautious of what is to come in 2016.
Asked what surprised him most in his debut season at Maranello, Vettel told the Ferrari website: "I would say the final result of the team. I wasn't expecting such a strong season this year."
"People always expect more than the team," added teammate Raikkonen, "but it's always different. There were some new people and the atmosphere overall has been very good in the team compared to the previous year and obviously that's normal for us.
"For Christmas everybody seems to be more happy. A long season is finished and soon everybody gets some time off, there is a relaxed feeling."
And looking ahead...
"Well, we want to be competitive next year against Mercedes, so I won't go into details and tell our secrets," said the German. "The fact is that we have to improve in a lot of areas, aero, engine etc. but I think the results of this season have shown that we are on the right path, so now we just have to focus on ourselves."
Raikkonen is a little more measured.
"We all know where we want to be as Ferrari," said the Finn, "Ferrari wants to win and it will not be easy, I mean, there are a lot of strong teams and all of them have the same idea of winning races and championships.
"Obviously, having done better this year, we have more expectations for the next one, but we are here for winning races, to win championships, so we will give our 100% to try to bring back the championship for Ferrari, but it's too early to say.
"We can do our best but we can't control what the others do, so we have to keep working the same way, always improving, then we will see where we end up in the next year. There's not point to start guessing, we have to wait until the winter tests and the first race."
And as for those precious few days of rest ahead...
"I'll just have some time with my family," admits Raikkonen. "Unfortunately we don't have such a long break, we restart in January already, so I'll have some time off to relax and get ready for next year."
"The winter break is short, and being in hotels most of the time I will just enjoy some time at home, where I can relax, and spend time with my family and friends," added his teammate."