Raikkonen reveals Sauber talks only started in Monza

Soon-to-be Sauber driver Kimi Raikkonen admits the talks between him and the team only began in Italy a couple of weeks ago...

Raikkonen said that the negotiations between his party and Sauber only started when he was informed that he would not be needed at Ferrari anymore.

"In Monza, that's when I knew (I was leaving Ferrari)," Raikkonen revealed. "I know people at Sauber from the past, so it basically started after that. I wouldn't say there were plans for a long time to go back there."

The Finnish veteran drove for Sauber back in 2001 and did well, achieving four points scoring races before switching to McLaren the season after.

When asked why he chose to rejoin the Sauber team, Raikkonen said: "Because I want to go. Why do you (media) try to make it so complicated?

"I don't know anything more than you guys, purely where they've been finishing. I don't know what will happen, nobody knows what will happen next year, what will be the speed of the car.

"We can always guess but we'll see what we can do. Those are my reasons and that's enough for me. I don't really care about what the others think, as long as I'm happy with my own reasons, then that's fine for me."

Many expected the 39-year-old to retire - however, he chose to have one last stint with his old team but has explained that Sauber may be his last side he drives for in the sport.

"There's a big chance, for sure," Raikkonen revealed. "I'm not interested in any numbers or records, purely on what I feel is right for me. We'll see what happens in the future, no idea. Hopefully we'll stay healthy and all those things and see what happens."