Villeneuve states 2018 could be Raikkonen's year

1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that 2018 has the potential to be Kimi Raikkonen's year in Formula 1. Raikkonen has played second fiddle at Ferrari since joining them back in 2014, however he showed an upturn in pace at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

On Saturday, Raikkonen managed to get the better of four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel, and lined up on the front row of the grid. However, due to an unfortunate timing of the virtual safety car, Raikkonen dropped from second and into third, with Vettel going on to win the race.

And Villeneuve thinks that this could be the Iceman's year at in F1: "He has become a great personality," Villeneuve told Iltalehti newspaper. "He doesn't care about anyone and just lives his own life."

"Kimi is getting stronger every year," he said. "Even here. He was fast from Friday practice and more comfortable than Sebastian. That means the car works for him. This could be his year," added the Canadian.

However, given the political situation at Ferrari, Villeneuve says it is crucial for Raikkonen to get a good early start in 2018: "He has to take his first win right at the start of the season, otherwise the energy will tilt towards Sebastian," he said.