The Finn is currently fifth in the standings, one point behind Williams rival Valtteri Bottas, but 131 behind Vettel, who has scored three victories this year.

Vettel has also finished on the podium 13 times to Raikkonen's two.

"Pretty average, I must say," Raikkonen said when asked to sum up his season on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.

"Better than last year but still far away from what it should be. But that is life and next year we try again."

Raikkonen scored his best result of the season in Bahrain, where he finished second, although he reckons he has had stronger weekends throughout the year.

"The end result was probably the best but doesn't mean that it is somehow better than other weekends," he said. "The end result, it just looks good, but it has not been the easiest few years. But that is how it goes.

"We improve a lot from last year but still we are not happy. When I don't finish five races, however many we have done, you don't expect to be very high up.

"We have to improve and I am sure we can still improve it – a new challenge, and we will see. I am sure we can do better."

No promises

The 2007 world champion says there is no point in promising next year Ferrari will be fighting for the championship, despite having made significant progress this season.

"Like I said we are going to give our best and hopefully that is enough to fight for championships and keep improving - following our own way of doing the things we have done from last year to this year.

"Hopefully it is enough to be where we want to be as Ferrari.

"We can promise a lot of things but is it going to happen? I hope for all the guys there and Ferrari that we will come back strong, or stronger than last year.

"There is no point making promises. We will do our best and then we will see."

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