MAURIZIO ARRIVABENE, the Ferrari team principal, says he uses a carrot-and-stick method with Kimi Raikkonen to keep his desire to remain with the Maranello marque high.
With Lewis Hamilton yet to sign his new contract as he negotiates the finer details with Mercedes, there is speculation the 30-year-old will replace Raikkonen at Ferrari for next season.
The Finn, however, has arguably never been happier during his Formula One career courtesy of the atmosphere generated within the team by the charismatic Arrivabene.
Last week Arrivabene urged Raikkonen to raise his game in the wake of an indifferent start to the campaign, compared to team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
In Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, Raikkonen did exactly that, finishing on the podium for the first time in 26 grands prix as runner-up to Hamilton.
The performance naturally resulted in Arrivabene being asked as to Raikkonen's chances of staying, given he has an option on his deal for next year, but also whether Ferrari were interested in Hamilton.
Arrivabene said: "Does Lewis Hamilton call you? Because he never calls me."
Arrivabene added: "Every driver here in the paddock wants to drive for Ferrari, this is normal, even guys that were quite a lot of the time world champion.
"I'm happy with the drivers we have, but this does not mean I am going to sign with Kimi tomorrow.
"We are very clear, I repeat again: I said to Kimi, 'Look, it depends on your performance' and he has demonstrated he's a great driver.
"So if you ask me now 'Does he deserve to renew the option?' I am going to say yes.
"But if I am going to say yes, I don't want the driver to fall asleep. I want to keep him awake.
"Kimi is at his best when he is in a bit in trouble. This is a psychological approach."
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