Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne backing Kimi Raikkonen

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne is backing Kimi Raikkonen to have a "phenomenal" 2016 Formula One season.

The Finn was fourth in the drivers' standings this year behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel as Lewis Hamilton retained his world title.

Raikkonen failed to win in 2015, but finished in the top four in four of the last seven races and Marchionne believes there is more to come from the 36-year-old next season.

"If I can give you some encouraging information, it's that I have seen a huge change in Kimi during the season," said Marchionne.

"The second half was much better than the first, it was like watching a movie - where the second bit is better than the first."

He added: "We were talking with some of our colleagues over the past three or four days, and we are beginning to look at a different Kimi.

"The fact he is married with a kid " he showed me a picture, because he is a proud father " is also reflective of the changes in his own life.

"He is becoming a lot more settled, which I think will be helpful in 2016. I think he will be the most engaged we have seen him the last little while.

"I am delighted he is part of the team. We have two drivers and they do compete. It happened to Seb, he has had a phenomenal year in his first year, and I am expecting that Kimi will rise up to the challenge and have a phenomenal season in 2016.

"I think he can. He is a good kid."