F1 champ flags retirement

Reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen has admitted he is considering retirement from Formula One once his current contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2009.

Speculation in the paddock has been mounting as to who will drive for Ferrari in 2010 and the Finn did little to quash it when was asked about his plans.

"I still have a contract until the end of next year," Raikkonen said during the press conference ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Thursday.

"I haven't made any decision as to whether I will keep going or not. That's the last contract I have and we will wait and see during this year and next year what happens."

"I haven't made my mind up and we will see."

Raikkonen, 28, said that for him the enjoyment he got from the sport had to outweigh the negatives he perceived in Formula One.

"I wouldn't stop if I thought I would miss it," he said. "I don't know what's going to happen after next year."

"I think I'm going to race as long as I enjoy it. I think it's the right thing for me and when the day comes when it's no longer fun. Then, for sure, I stop."

"It can be the end of next year, it can be in four years' time. It's too early to say."

"But it's purely if I like it or not. That's the reason I keep going or not."

"There are many reasons why you like Formula One or not. Many people only like the driving and the rest can be something that you don't enjoy. When there are more things that you don't like, then it's time to stop."

Raikkonen said he was 'kind of' in talks with Ferrari about a new contract extension but when asked whether he would consider racing for another Formula One team, he replied: "Probably not."