Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has denied that a plan is in place to hand Kimi Raikkonen a seat in his team if the Finn decides to return to Formula 1.
Raikkonen is currently competing in the World Rally Championship after securing a deal with the Citroen junior team, which is backed by Red Bull. The 2007 World Champion admitted the move could be permanent and that he has yet to decide on his plans for 2011. Mateschitz, however, made it clear that despite Raikkonen's link with Red Bull, rumors that the Finn was set for a Red Bull Racing seat if he wants one are unfounded.
"This is nothing more than pure speculation," said Mateschitz. "We do not know what Kimi intends to do in one year. We have a very good relationship, which makes room for speculations. But to tell you now Kimi will be racing for us in 2011 is not serious. If Webber provides top performances this year, we will not reward him by giving his cockpit to Raikkonen."
Australian Mark Webber has a contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of this year, while teammate Sebastian Vettel has a contract until 2012.