Ferrari's well publicized stance on Kimi Raikkonen's future – with the Scuderia' s will to exercise the option on the Finn's services for 2016 clearly associated with his ongoing performance level – has put the rumour mill in motion regarding his eventual replacement.

While Ferrari is biding its time and assessing the situation on an ongoing process, sporting director Maurizio Arrivabene revealed that several drivers had approached the Scuderia lately, but that Williams' Valtteri Bottas, who is favoured to replace Raikkonen, was just one name of several.

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Speaking to the Gazzeta dello Sport, Arrivabene said: "If I gave you the list of drivers who have called me since the start of the season, Bottas is just one of many. The Ferrari is the car everyone dreams of driving, but there are only two seats and both are full."

Ferrari's top man was also asked if Red Bull's Daniel Riccardo, who is obviously disappointed with his own team's state of affairs and under-performance this year, had expressed any interest in visiting Maranello, Arrivabene said no.

But then added that, "Perhaps he does not have my number".