Ferrari vs Mercedes.....(vs Kimi?)

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, AGP. (C)

    The 2017 Formula One season is underway, and it looks like we have a good ole stoush between Ferrari and Mercedes developing. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton are trading blows with our suspicious minds suggesting that this will run and run all the way to Abu Dhabi. Post Monaco, Ferrari have the ascendancy. Vettel is a clear race victory, that is, 25 points, ahead of Hamilton. You can be sure that Hamilton will bite back as the season progresses. Hard! 
   But what of their team mates? Can they contribute to their team's championship quests? Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has sensationally acquired his maiden victory in Russia. A mature drive that withstood a mountain of pressure that will only see him wanting more. 
    Many will argue that Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen has past his prime, but he certainly bagged a scintillating pole position at Monaco didn't he? He proceeded to control the first stint of the race, only to be called into the pits first for his mandatory tyre change. This then rendered Vettel to push in clear air, pit, and then emerge in the lead. Overcut successful. Most teams will operate with the agenda that the car with track position has first option on the pit stop timing. Was Raikkonen afforded this luxury? All teams knew that the tyre degradation was extremely low in Monaco. In fact, many stated that they could complete the entire race distance on one set. But rules are rules, and all cars must use two different tyre compounds during the race in dry conditions to comply. Therefore, despite the teams' predictions and simulations, it doesn't take a genius to work out that the longer you could stay out, the more beneficial your race result. 
    So, the questions have to be asked. Are Ferrari imposing team orders this early in the season to assist Vettel? If so, why? You only have to witness Kimi's podium demeanor to get an indication of that. Have Ferrari lost faith in Raikkonen to mount a championship challenge of his own? Shouldn't they allow their drivers to race, or is having a clear #1 and #2 driver the best avenue to both driver's and constructor's championship glory? We know this though. Kimi sparks a lot more fan interest in F1 than Sebastian. 
    Lastly, whenever the contentious issue of team orders rears its head, why is it that Ferrari seem to be at the forefront?
    

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