Räikkönen more than ever a title contender for Boullier

Many were expecting a Lotus victory, particularly from Kimi Räikkönen on Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps, but it wasn’t the case as Jenson Button dominated the Belgian race from start to finish.

Nevertheless, thanks to another podium finish – the sixth of the year – and the retirement of two contenders for the world title, the Finn is now 33 points behind Fernando Alonso, who leaves Spa with zero points. This makes him, more than ever, a serious contender for the drivers’ championship title at the end of the season, according to Eric Boullier.

« I think he can definitely fight for the title. It’s up to us to give him a good car and not miss opportunities, but Kimi doesn’t miss them often, » declares the Frenchman.

With six podiums, including three in the last four Grand Prix, Räikkönen is the one who has scored the most points among the five candidates for the final victory. Iceman has collected 58 points while Lewis Hamilton added only 29 points to his tally. Even Button did better with 52 points scored, just one less than Fernando Alonso. The 2009 champion can once again be considered a contender against the Spaniard and the others.

« If he gets on the podium every weekend then he will be in a position to fight for the title. He has secured three podiums in the last four races, and even if he doesn’t have the best car, he is still in the game, » adds the Lotus Team Principal.

If it is true that consistency will be crucial in the final tally, the Enstone team will also need to win at least one Grand Prix to truly aim for the driver’s championship. Unless Räikkönen becomes the first champion without having won any races, which would certainly cause a stir both inside and outside the paddocks. In 1982, his compatriot Keke Rosberg emerged at the end of the season with only one victory to his name.