Sebastian Vettel has hinted that he will recommend to Ferrari that Kimi Raikkonen is kept on board for another season.

Last year, when the Finn and 2007 world champion's contract was also up for renewal, German Vettel argued strongly that Raikkonen should be retained.

When asked if he has now talked with Ferrari team management about Raikkonen's expiring contract this year, Vettel answered: "Not yet.

"We did it last year because Kimi's contract was ending and the team asked me," he told El Pais in Barcelona.

"I have no influence over it, but it's okay to give my opinion because that means the team trusts me.

"I get on very well with Kimi, he is the coolest and least political teammate I've ever had - we work well together and we both know that the first thing is the team."

Vettel and Raikkonen are currently fifth and third respectively in the driver rankings.