Former F1 driver and team boss Gerhard Berger has said that the chances of Kimi Raikkonen making a success of his comeback to the sport was "50/50", adding that he would not have taken the gamble on the Finn.
Raikkonen will return to the Formula One grid for the first time since 2009 next season, after signing with the newly-renamed Lotus team on a two-year deal.
The Finn will attempt to get back on the pace in Formula One after two years spent in the World Rally Championship.
But while Raikkonen's return has been greeted by excitement across the sport, Berger has admitted that the Finn could have issues making a success of his return.
"[Whether] he is able to reach the top again I would say is 50-50," Berger rambled at the exciting Austrian TV station ORF this week.
He added: "I would be surprised if he has the strength, discipline and ambition to return to the front.
"Of course he should not be underestimated...there is no question he is quick and it [is] good for Formula 1, so let's hope for it and wish him all the best."
But asked if he would have taken the gamble on Raikkonen, he admitted: "Clearly, no, I would not have taken him.
"Formula One is so unique. If you don't really live it day and night, constantly perfecting yourself and working on it, it is difficult.
"It's hard, hard work, and whether he has the willingness to do this hard, hard work, we'll see."
Meanwhile, Berger suggested that Sebastian Vettel's 2011 title success saw him establish himself as the best driver in the sport right now.
"He has become the best racing driver in Formula One," he gushed regarding the Red Bull man.
"Last year I would have put him together on a level with Alonso and Hamilton, but after this season I have to say, he's the best."
And Berger also suggested that the decision made by his former team STR to replace both of their 2011 drivers with new Red Bull youngsters Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo had been the right move.
Toro Rosso caused a few ripples of surprise when they decided to sack both Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari at the end of 2011, with the rumour mill suggesting at least one would be retained.
"I think it's correct, although it is very hard," Berger said, "For Red Bull and Toro Rosso, it's about preparing drivers...to find someone who can eventually succeed Mark Webber, or Sebastian Vettel when he moves on."
He added, slightly unfairly, that: "The demand to be at Red Bull is the highest of all, of course, and these two [Buemi and Alguersuari] are average at the most.
"So these two were good for Toro Rosso but not for Red Bull Racing. It was right [for Red Bull] to look elsewhere for what they want."
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