Irvine: I'd sack Kimi if he doesn't perform!

Former Formula 1 star Eddie Irvine believes that Kimi Raikkonen should be sacked next year or at least be forced to take a pay cut if he fails to perform.

Speaking to Virgin Media the four-time grand prix winner and ex-Jordan, Ferrari and Jaguar man added that the 'ice-man' has to step up to the mark in 2009 and beat team-mate, Felipe Massa.

Raikkonen struggled in '08 and while Massa scored 97 points and only lost out on the title by 1 point, following a dramatic final round showdown in Brazil with Lewis Hamilton, Kimi only managed 75 points - the same as BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica.

"Kimi has to step up to the mark," said Irvine. "He is a very highly paid driver, maybe the highest paid in F1. If you're the highest paid you have to be the best and he's not doing the job, simple as that.

"In sport if you perform you get paid and if you don't perform you're out. If he doesn't beat Massa next year I'd be sacking him or reducing his wages massively."