Boullier is not worried about Räikkönen
While the recent performances of the Finnish driver are causing some observers to question, the Lotus F1 team boss sought to put the difficulties faced by the 2007 world champion into perspective.
Since his arrival in the paddocks in 2001, Kimi Räikkönen has always been something of an enigma to the F1 community. And his return to Lotus in 2012 is not going to change that.
After seven races, it is clear that the Finn has regained his speed, but certain situations still leave room for doubt. In Canada, Räikkönen managed to finish only in eighth position, despite being behind Sergio Pérez at one point, who was on the same strategy as him and finished on the final podium spot. This, combined with his refusal to drive during the first practice session in Monaco due to a power steering system he didn’t like, was enough to raise the eternal questions about the motivation of the 2007 world champion.
Eric Boullier therefore wanted to respond by emphasizing that he had no concerns about Kimi Räikkönen. « It’s part of the understanding process between a team and a driver. We have two new drivers on the team, and each has their own driving style. It’s just part of the learning process. In teams like McLaren, Red Bull, or Ferrari, they have a duo they are used to working with, » explains the French boss.
This year, the championship is particularly competitive and there is no shortage of contenders for victory. Lotus has often found itself in the favorite position at the start of a race weekend, but has not yet been able to realize this potential. Nothing to dampen the team’s spirits.
« There is certainly no frustration. I think we can be proud of what we have done so far, and I can only commend the efforts of the guys at the factory. There is no frustration to have; it’s a new cycle with new drivers, and we knew we couldn’t achieve perfection from the first race. You have to constantly improve, » analyzes Eric Boullier.
