Q&A with Kimi Raikkonen
Discussion
Kimi speaks - Courtesy of FormulaOne Website
Q: Kimi, we learned yesterday that you are thinking of taking a year off from Formula One racing. What is the state of affairs?
Kimi Raikkonen: Yes, that appears to be the case. I could not agree terms with McLaren so I have decided to take a one-year sabbatical.
Q: You always said that your staying in Formula One was dependant on having a competitive car. Presumably you now feel this is not achievable for 2010?
KR: Yes. I felt McLaren offered the best opportunity to win races and challenge for the drivers’ championship and if that would not work the one-year break is the result. And to be honest, I will only return in 2011 if a competitive drive is available.
Q: What would you do in that year off? Rallying? Look for other talents lurking within you?
KR: I do not know yet. I will look at competing in rallying. Again, naturally I want to drive a competitive car. If not I will spend more time with my family and friends.
Q: And how convinced are you that you will be back in 2011? Couldn’t going now mean the end of your Formula One career? Are you ready for that?
KR: As I said, I will only return in 2011 if I can drive a competitive car. I do not want to race just to make up the numbers. That does not interest me. But there’s a lot of time until then, so let’s wait and see what happens in the months ahead.
Q: The McLaren route is now blocked following their signing of Jenson Button. What brought your negotiations with them to a halt?
KR: My management held many meetings with McLaren. Unfortunately, certain issues could not be resolved. We knew in the last three or four days that it would be highly unlikely a deal could be reached. Now we know it is definite.
Q: What about moving to the newly formed Mercedes GP team? Have you put out any feelers towards Brackley?
KR: No, I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved.
Q: There was a lot of speculation concerning the role salary played in Button’s switch to McLaren - and lots of reports suggesting the same team were unwilling to meet your pay demands. What is your position on bargaining for salary?
KR: I feel a good driver can make a bigger difference nowadays. If you look at how close the whole grid was this year, if a driver can lap two-tenths faster that is worth many positions on the grid. That could easily be the difference between winning and losing.
Q: 2009 was your ninth season in Formula One racing. Have you achieved what you wanted? Your Ferrari successor Alonso was quoted as saying that after Ferrari he will quit, because after Ferrari any other team is a step down. So you could go out with your head held high…
KR: I achieved my dream of winning the drivers’ world championship. I would like to win another championship, but I can only do that if I have a competitive car. It’s that simple.
Q: How much of a petrol head still lays within Kimi Raikkonen?
KR: I have enjoyed my time in F1 and I still have ambitions. In the right circumstances I am very keen to return. The door is open. Let’s see what the future brings.
Q: Kimi, we learned yesterday that you are thinking of taking a year off from Formula One racing. What is the state of affairs?
Kimi Raikkonen: Yes, that appears to be the case. I could not agree terms with McLaren so I have decided to take a one-year sabbatical.
Q: You always said that your staying in Formula One was dependant on having a competitive car. Presumably you now feel this is not achievable for 2010?
KR: Yes. I felt McLaren offered the best opportunity to win races and challenge for the drivers’ championship and if that would not work the one-year break is the result. And to be honest, I will only return in 2011 if a competitive drive is available.
Q: What would you do in that year off? Rallying? Look for other talents lurking within you?
KR: I do not know yet. I will look at competing in rallying. Again, naturally I want to drive a competitive car. If not I will spend more time with my family and friends.
Q: And how convinced are you that you will be back in 2011? Couldn’t going now mean the end of your Formula One career? Are you ready for that?
KR: As I said, I will only return in 2011 if I can drive a competitive car. I do not want to race just to make up the numbers. That does not interest me. But there’s a lot of time until then, so let’s wait and see what happens in the months ahead.
Q: The McLaren route is now blocked following their signing of Jenson Button. What brought your negotiations with them to a halt?
KR: My management held many meetings with McLaren. Unfortunately, certain issues could not be resolved. We knew in the last three or four days that it would be highly unlikely a deal could be reached. Now we know it is definite.
Q: What about moving to the newly formed Mercedes GP team? Have you put out any feelers towards Brackley?
KR: No, I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved.
Q: There was a lot of speculation concerning the role salary played in Button’s switch to McLaren - and lots of reports suggesting the same team were unwilling to meet your pay demands. What is your position on bargaining for salary?
KR: I feel a good driver can make a bigger difference nowadays. If you look at how close the whole grid was this year, if a driver can lap two-tenths faster that is worth many positions on the grid. That could easily be the difference between winning and losing.
Q: 2009 was your ninth season in Formula One racing. Have you achieved what you wanted? Your Ferrari successor Alonso was quoted as saying that after Ferrari he will quit, because after Ferrari any other team is a step down. So you could go out with your head held high…
KR: I achieved my dream of winning the drivers’ world championship. I would like to win another championship, but I can only do that if I have a competitive car. It’s that simple.
Q: How much of a petrol head still lays within Kimi Raikkonen?
KR: I have enjoyed my time in F1 and I still have ambitions. In the right circumstances I am very keen to return. The door is open. Let’s see what the future brings.
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Friday 20th November 10:10
Could this guy care any less about racing? Even with rallying he will only do it if he is in a car that he can win with. Whats wrong with him going to a team with potential and dragging them up the order (oh yeah, he is too greedy).
I just don't think the guy is a true racer, sure hes a fast driver, but in this situation most guys would be saying 'I'll do le mans/rallying/whatever' rather than appearing to not really care. Can't say i will miss him, i want to see hungry drivers at the top, not some guy who couldn't care less unless he is paid way too much and in the best car.
I just don't think the guy is a true racer, sure hes a fast driver, but in this situation most guys would be saying 'I'll do le mans/rallying/whatever' rather than appearing to not really care. Can't say i will miss him, i want to see hungry drivers at the top, not some guy who couldn't care less unless he is paid way too much and in the best car.
Forbes82 said:
I just don't think the guy is a true racer, sure hes a fast driver, but in this situation most guys would be saying 'I'll do le mans/rallying/whatever' rather than appearing to not really care. Can't say i will miss him, i want to see hungry drivers at the top, not some guy who couldn't care less unless he is paid way too much and in the best car.
I think this is a rather unfair assessment.It is no secret that Kimi finds the (seemingly irrelevant to him) non-driving PR/Political demands of a being a 21st century F1 driver hugely unappealing - who can blame him! He wasn't prepared to tolerate this whilst driving an uncompetitve car and without securing top money. I could understand the criticism more easily if Kimi's previous record was very different. During his time at Mclaren he drove brilliantly and committedly for several years despite the fact that MB's engines were letting go literally every other race for a large part of this time.
Kimi is a true racer and I think its as much a reflection of the sorry state of F1 itself that one of the world's greatest driving talents isn't motivated to take part in it any longer. How many other of the F1 drivers love driving so much that they would go and rally a Fiat Punto!
topcarrera said:
Forbes82 said:
I just don't think the guy is a true racer, sure hes a fast driver, but in this situation most guys would be saying 'I'll do le mans/rallying/whatever' rather than appearing to not really care. Can't say i will miss him, i want to see hungry drivers at the top, not some guy who couldn't care less unless he is paid way too much and in the best car.
I think this is a rather unfair assessment.It is no secret that Kimi finds the (seemingly irrelevant to him) non-driving PR/Political demands of a being a 21st century F1 driver hugely unappealing - who can blame him! He wasn't prepared to tolerate this whilst driving an uncompetitve car and without securing top money. I could understand the criticism more easily if Kimi's previous record was very different. During his time at Mclaren he drove brilliantly and committedly for several years despite the fact that MB's engines were letting go literally every other race for a large part of this time.
Kimi is a true racer and I think its as much a reflection of the sorry state of F1 itself that one of the world's greatest driving talents isn't motivated to take part in it any longer. How many other of the F1 drivers love driving so much that they would go and rally a Fiat Punto!
The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda".
His "laid back doesnt give a toss attitude" doesnt wash with me and neither did it with Ferrari and obvioulsy just recently - Mclaren.
If he was as good as what some think he is then Mclaren would have signed him up ignoring his..................... strange personality.
No TRUE RACER walks out on the pinnacle of Motorsport
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Friday 20th November 15:12
Wanta996Gotta said:
I cant believe there are still posters feeling sorry for this guy. He was on £20Million a year at Ferrari, of course he would be expected to do some PR work and look interested - Ferrari are one of the most famous brands in the world and need there top paid racing driver to look like he actually gives a toss - I am also sure that the contract he gladly signed made it perfectly clear what was involved.
The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
Pretty much exactly what i was gonna say, can't take away his natural driving talent, but as a fan, a paying fan, i expect certain things, like maybe a smile and a wave, or maybe even an autograph when i pay my hard earned to go see him at an event, what i don't expect is a moody fecker who refuses to smile, refuses to have photos taken, and refuses to sign autographs(as happened at 2 events i attended this year). I as a fan don't care what he wants, why? because he has my ultimate dream and he treats it like he is better than that, like he deserves better treatment than anyone else.The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
I used to think he was great when at McLaren(no i'm not a fanboy of them), but since joining Ferrari he's lost that edge, that funny character, he's an empty shell of his former self, and in my opinion does not deserve a race seat in 2010.
I'd love to see him back in 2011, as long as he sorts his attitude out, and i look forward to seeing him in WRC, where personality doesn't matter as much as driving talent.
Gillet said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
I cant believe there are still posters feeling sorry for this guy. He was on £20Million a year at Ferrari, of course he would be expected to do some PR work and look interested - Ferrari are one of the most famous brands in the world and need there top paid racing driver to look like he actually gives a toss - I am also sure that the contract he gladly signed made it perfectly clear what was involved.
The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
Pretty much exactly what i was gonna say, can't take away his natural driving talent, but as a fan, a paying fan, i expect certain things, like maybe a smile and a wave, or maybe even an autograph when i pay my hard earned to go see him at an event, what i don't expect is a moody fecker who refuses to smile, refuses to have photos taken, and refuses to sign autographs(as happened at 2 events i attended this year). I as a fan don't care what he wants, why? because he has my ultimate dream and he treats it like he is better than that, like he deserves better treatment than anyone else.The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
I used to think he was great when at McLaren(no i'm not a fanboy of them), but since joining Ferrari he's lost that edge, that funny character, he's an empty shell of his former self, and in my opinion does not deserve a race seat in 2010.
I'd love to see him back in 2011, as long as he sorts his attitude out, and i look forward to seeing him in WRC, where personality doesn't matter as much as driving talent.
obob said:
Gillet said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
I cant believe there are still posters feeling sorry for this guy. He was on £20Million a year at Ferrari, of course he would be expected to do some PR work and look interested - Ferrari are one of the most famous brands in the world and need there top paid racing driver to look like he actually gives a toss - I am also sure that the contract he gladly signed made it perfectly clear what was involved.
The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
Pretty much exactly what i was gonna say, can't take away his natural driving talent, but as a fan, a paying fan, i expect certain things, like maybe a smile and a wave, or maybe even an autograph when i pay my hard earned to go see him at an event, what i don't expect is a moody fecker who refuses to smile, refuses to have photos taken, and refuses to sign autographs(as happened at 2 events i attended this year). I as a fan don't care what he wants, why? because he has my ultimate dream and he treats it like he is better than that, like he deserves better treatment than anyone else.The record books wont mention how well he drove at Mclaren nor will they point out that the 2007 WDC fell into his lap. A wasted talent or an overrated "Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda"?
I used to think he was great when at McLaren(no i'm not a fanboy of them), but since joining Ferrari he's lost that edge, that funny character, he's an empty shell of his former self, and in my opinion does not deserve a race seat in 2010.
I'd love to see him back in 2011, as long as he sorts his attitude out, and i look forward to seeing him in WRC, where personality doesn't matter as much as driving talent.
VladD said:
Forbes82 said:
Could this guy care any less about racing?
I got exactly the opposite opinion from that interview. Somepeople like to develop cars and get involved in all the stuff that's being part of the team. Kimi just likes driving and winning.stephen300o said:
Forbes82 said:
not some guy who couldn't care less unless he is paid way too much and in the best car.
I can't remember him ever having the best car.I find the guy boring/uninterested, lacking in fight and hunger, just not my sort of driver.
topcarrera said:
Forbes82 said:
How many other of the F1 drivers love driving so much that they would go and rally a Fiat Punto!
Well he seems to be refusing to do any rallying this year unless he is guaranteed a competative car... I don't think he particularly loves driving, just the winning.Forbes82 said:
Well he seems to be refusing to do any rallying this year unless he is guaranteed a competative car... I don't think he particularly loves driving, just the winning.
I just think he doesn't care about interviews.I doubt he would tell an interviewer anything about what he is going to do on his year off.
[/quote]
No TRUE RACER walks out on the pinnacle of Motorsport
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Friday 20th November 15:12
[/quote]
I'm not sure what you mean by the bold words - I gather you meant "no true racer walks out of motorsport at the pinnacle of his career"?
If so - Mick Doohan was not too shabby a racer? or would you disagree?
coetzeeh said:
I'm not sure what you mean by the bold words - I gather you meant "no true racer walks out of motorsport at the pinnacle of his career"?
If so - Mick Doohan was not too shabby a racer? or would you disagree?
Wanta996Gotta if referring to F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport.If so - Mick Doohan was not too shabby a racer? or would you disagree?
I agree with the statement...but to me Kimi comes across as a very 'binary' character (from what we see, anyway). He's either all effort or no effort, winning or underachieving and so on.
From his point of view, he's won the WDC, perhaps 'ticked that box', and now he's wanting to move onto something else, to tick another box. Perhaps that makes him MORE of a racer than some, wanting to challenge himself in another arena of motorsport?
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:37
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:38
kaese said:
coetzeeh said:
I'm not sure what you mean by the bold words - I gather you meant "no true racer walks out of motorsport at the pinnacle of his career"?
He's either all effort or no effort, winning or underachieving and so on.
Im not sure you can say that! After his effort in the second half of 09 with development halted on his car he was the 3rd highest points scorer. Not winning or underachieving just outperforming his car every 2 weeksHe's either all effort or no effort, winning or underachieving and so on.
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:37
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:38
Well there was that one win totally against the odds in spa. Oh and a drive from last to 6th in Brazil with fuel burning his eyes all race. Imagine some of the drivers...you know, the ones that moan at the drop of a hat doing that!?!!
Shame it wasnt enough for ferrari to keep him. I hope he is back on the grid in 2011
thestig84 said:
kaese said:
coetzeeh said:
I'm not sure what you mean by the bold words - I gather you meant "no true racer walks out of motorsport at the pinnacle of his career"?
He's either all effort or no effort, winning or underachieving and so on.
Im not sure you can say that! After his effort in the second half of 09 with development halted on his car he was the 3rd highest points scorer. Not winning or underachieving just outperforming his car every 2 weeksHe's either all effort or no effort, winning or underachieving and so on.
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:37
Edited by kaese on Friday 20th November 19:38
Well there was that one win totally against the odds in spa. Oh and a drive from last to 6th in Brazil with fuel burning his eyes all race. Imagine some of the drivers...you know, the ones that moan at the drop of a hat doing that!?!!
Shame it wasnt enough for ferrari to keep him. I hope he is back on the grid in 2011
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