Kimi Raikkonen denies he has signed Alfa Romeo contract for F1 2021

Kimi Raikkonen has dismissed reports claiming that he has already signed a deal to remain with Alfa Romeo for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Several media outlets reported on Thursday morning that Raikkonen had agreed a fresh contract to stay at the Swiss squad for next year to extend his tenure in F1 for a further season.

But speaking ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix – where Raikkonen will break Rubens Barrichello’s record of 322 race starts – the Finn said that he is yet to decide whether he wants to continue in the sport beyond the current campaign.

“If you believe the news then it’s the truth but I’ve never had an option in my contract [to continue] so maybe that tells you that it’s not true.

“I read so many things in the news over the years that I stopped reading them because 90 percent is far from the truth and 10 percent is something to do with it.

“I haven’t signed anything. I didn’t sign last week or a month ago, or yesterday or today, so we will see,” he added.

“I don’t know [if I will be around next year], nothing has been decided yet.

“We have had some talks with the team and it’s obviously my decision at the end and we will see what we want to do.”

Asked if he is enjoying 2020 amid Alfa Romeo’s struggles, Raikkonen replied: “I enjoy racing but obviously we have a lot more fun when you do better.

“It’s not definitely been where we want to be or what we were aiming but early on it was very clear we are not where we want to be for many reasons.

“But the racing I still enjoy and we still have good battles. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t enjoy it.”

Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur previously indicated that Raikkonen was the team’s first choice for its 2021 driver line-up.

The Hinwil-based outfit is currently evaluating whether to retain Antonio Giovinazzi or run Mick Schumacher, who is set to make his practice debut with the team at the Nurburgring on Friday.

Ferrari protégé Schumacher currently heads the Formula 2 championship by 21 points over nearest rival Callum Ilott and is reported to have been given a guarantee over a seat next year providing he secures a top-three position in F2.