Maurizio Arrivabene has indicated that Kimi Raikkonen stands a strong chance of keeping his seat at Ferrari for 2017.
The Finn has often struggled since returning to Maranello alongside first Fernando Alonso and then Sebastian Vettel, but has appeared in better form so far in 2016.
Indeed, as he referred to Vettel and Raikkonen, Ferrari team boss Arrivabene told Chinese agency LeSports in Barcelona: "I am happy with both drivers. They are both real fighters, both world champions.
"I think Kimi is even more mature than last season. I think his future is in his own hands. At the moment, his commitment to the team and his desire are at a very good level. His results so far this season have fully met our expectations.
"However, we have had only four races with 17 left so it is too early to start to talk about his future. But I can say that I am satisfied with his achievements."
2007 world champion Raikkonen will turn 37 in October, but Italian Arrivabene insisted: "Age is not a problem.
"As long as a driver has commitment, always wants to do his best and is competitive, everything is in order.
"I think Nigel Mansell was three years older than Kimi when he won the world title."
Raikkonen is currently third in the driver rankings ahead of today's Spanish Grand Prix.
