Sebastian Vettel wants Kimi Raikkonen to remain his Ferrari team-mate in 2016 and is convinced the Finn will "soon return to being the driver we all know".
Raikkonen came into this season following a torrid 2014 campaign and has struggled to match four-time world champion Vettel, with just one podium. Austria was a low point for the Finn's season, being eliminated from Q1 and then ending up in the wall after just two corners.
Ferrari has an option to extend Raikkonen's deal beyond the current season, something Maurizio Arrivabene has said will be decided based on his performances this year. The ongoing uncertainty around his future at Ferrari has fuelled speculation about the Italian outfit signing Valtteri Bottas from Williams.
But Vettel, who is known to have a good friendship with Raikkonen, wants to see Ferrari's line-up remain unchanged next season as he thinks the 2007 world champion will return to form before the current season is out.
"Kimi will soon return to being the driver we all know," Vettel told Sky Italia. "He is going through a season of ups and downs, but we are talking about a talent that can do his job to perfection.
"It's true that this year he has made some small mistakes, but in certain circumstances he was also unlucky, so I think the situation should be considered in proportion. Obviously I'd like to continue with him. We have an excellent relationship and we motivate each other, but it's not for me to decide and I don't know the details."