Red Bull boss: Raikkonen could replace Webber

Kimi Raikkonen has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull next season, should the Australian decide to leave the team.

Red Bull owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, has told the media Raikkonen is a serious option for the reigning champion outfit.

“Kimi is cool and fast and always a candidate,” he told SpeedWeek.com.

Raikkonen’s current deal with Lotus expires at the end of 2013, leaving the 2007 world champion free to drive alongside Sebastian Vettel.

The pair are reportedly good friends, making Raikkonen an attractive option given the current hostilities between Webber and Vettel.

Webber is understood to be considering his future in Formula 1 after Vettel ignored team orders to pass him and win last week’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Mateschitz clarified Webber would remain an option, should he wish to stay on.

Raikkonen has existing contacts with Red Bull, having driven for the energy drink company during his World Rally Championship campaign.