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Raikkonen: I'm driving at same level as a decade ago

Published on 31 Aug 2018 16:50
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By: Harry Mattocks

Kimi Raikkonen believes that he is still driving as well as he did ten years ago. If you look at the driver's standings, he is two points ahead of his closest rival, Valtteri Bottas, and has played a key part in Ferrari's challenge for the constructor's title this year.

In his championship winning year, 2007, Kimi had the same number of top three finishes as he has had at this stage of the season as he has had this season, which he claims shows consistent the 37-year-old has been this year.

"I don’t feel like I drive any differently than 10 years ago, I think I drive pretty well in my own books at least," he said. "That’s enough for me. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could drive as well as I feel I should. That’s my tool to measure, and decide when it’s enough. Who knows? Maybe I’ll wake up one morning and I don’t know how to go fast anymore.

“I don’t think there is a time, it’s more feelings, how do you feel yourself doing - good or bad. People say the speed would disappear but to this day, I don’t feel it has disappeared for me. Like I say, maybe I wake up one morning and it’s not there anymore. It could be like that. But I don’t think you put a date on it - it’s more if you have it, if not, that’s it,” he added.

Raikkonen's future is uncertain as Ferrari weighs up its options on who to place alongside Sebastian Vettel next year. Despite being just a rookie this season, its junior driver Charles Leclerc has been rumoured to be coming into the team and taking Raikkonen's seat.

F1 News Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari

Replies (3)

Kean

Posts: 692
I think he's been impressive this year, 2014-2017 though not so much. Then again, Kimi never has wrestled with a car and changed his style to fit the car, rather he's tried to make sure the car is developed to fit him, maybe that is the difference this year.
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- Aug 31 2018 - 16:57
- Ram Samartha
  
  Posts: 1,172
  I think you're right. His car does better suit his style this year. Typically when he has gone to a new team they have started winning races within 1-2 years. When he got to Ferrari after Alonso couldn't take them anywhere, they took a jump up and then when Vettel joined and started helping with development they took another jump. Now they both have a car that suits their style and the team is doing well. I think they would be foolish to change driver lineup now when they clearly have a winning combination and team that works together well.
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  Aug 31 2018 - 17:30
blade

Posts: 341
Agreed RAM, Kimi is a top driver and his performances, f he keeps them going this yr means he will fully deserve to stay on - if Ferrari win the constructors, which they have every chance of doing - why would Ferrari change - a ,to of commentators talking about this being his last year, but you can see from his words he is not planning on going anytime soon. Good for him.
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- Sep 1 2018 - 08:51