Earlier this week, Ferrari confirmed that it would be extending Raikkonen's contract by another season, even though he has not taken a victory since returning to the outfit in 2014.

While some have questioned whether Ferrari should have opted for some younger talent, Raikkonen says he has every faith in his own ability to deliver at the front – and said he would walk away from F1 the moment he felt he could no longer race hard.

When asked what aspect of F1 most convinced him to stay, the Finn said: "It is purely the racing. The rest, not.

"But I enjoy the racing, and obviously I want to do well. If I wouldn't feel that I can go fast, and I wouldn't be happy in myself, I wouldn't be here."

He added: "As long as I feel myself that I can win races and fight for championships then that is why. If I didn't feel that, I will be the first guy to do something else."

Although some have suggested that one of the key factors in Ferrari retaining Raikkonen is the fact that he and Sebastian Vettel work so well together, the Finn himself said he was unaware of what were the specific reasons for earning another contract.

"You have to ask them" he said. "Honestly, the only thing I was interested in was to be here next year. I don't really care what the rest is thinking.

"The team feels the same way. What are the reasons? You have to go and ask them. What else can I say?"

Raikkonen was sure of one thing, however, and that was that he hopes Vettel commits to a fresh deal with the outfit – with the German's contract coming to an end later this year.

"We work very well together, as does the whole team," he said. "It is a good way of working but obviously I am not the one who decides.

"I have no idea what will happen in this case. Hopefully it will stay as it is now."