Räikkönen: “I think we’re going to have a lot of fun!”
During the presentation of the new Lotus E20, Kimi Räikkönen discussed the reasons for his return to Formula 1 and his goals for his comeback on the tracks.
Dismissed by Ferrari at the end of the 2009 season, Kimi Räikkönen had decided to turn to rallying to continue his career in motorsport. But after two years spent on stages around the world, the desire to return to F1 became apparent.
« It represents something very special in my career. The goal is always to race at the highest level, so if you have the choice, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of racing, » explains the former world champion on the official team website.
Before deciding to make his return to F1, the Finn experimented with different disciplines. He was seen behind the wheel of a Peugeot 908 as well as a NASCAR car. This experience sparked his desire to return to circuit racing.
« When I went to do NASCAR, I rediscovered the joy of pack racing and wanted to continue. I still want to race in rallies and if I could, I would run both programs simultaneously. But it’s not possible. Surely, I will return to rallying in the future. But I had so much fun in NASCAR, facing my opponents directly, that I felt the urge to return to the circuits. That’s when I realized how much I missed it and decided to come back, if an opportunity arose to do it under good conditions. »
Even if he hadn’t hung up his helmet, rallying and F1 don’t have much in common. Consequently, it will take Räikkönen a little time to find his footing again after two years of absence.
In 2010, I didn’t really follow Formula 1, but I watched more races last year. It doesn’t seem very different. But overtaking happens in some places by simply opening the rear wing, and the driver in front has no chance to defend. So is it really overtaking? I don’t think it counts every time, but undoubtedly, it enhances the spectacle. Tires also play a role because there’s a big speed differential between new and worn tires. Before, in Formula 1, you had to be much faster than the driver in front to have a chance to overtake. Now, with the tires and DRS, it’s different, the Finn analyzes.
Just like Michael Schumacher’s return in 2010, the comeback of the Finnish driver, who has remained very popular, has created a buzz among F1 fans. Expectations are high, but Kimi remains unfazed and doesn’t put pressure on himself.
« I think people expect a lot from me. But as long as I know I’m giving 100% and I’m happy with my driving, I’m happy. If those aspects are real and it’s not enough, well, it won’t be enough. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun this season and I hope we get good results too. I need a good car to be able to fight at the front, » concluded the new Lotus F1 driver.
