Kimi Räikkönen is confident
This was the sensation of the winter break this year. The return of Kimi Räikkönen to Formula 1 with the Lotus-Renault team on a two-year contract, however, raises some doubts that the main party quickly brushes aside with a wave of the hand.
We know the difficulty of returning to competition after a few years of absence. The difficulties encountered by Michael Schumacher since 2010 are the most obvious example.
Kimi Räikkönen, however, seems quite confident and believes in his abilities despite everything: “I’m more motivated than ever, and I don’t think I’ve lost my speed. The hardest part will be adapting to the tires, but I’m not too worried about that.”
The Finn is nonetheless aware that motorsport and Formula 1 are fields in constant evolution: Although the technical regulations do not seem to change much, developments apply to a large number of areas and some elements will have to be redesigned. Consequently, the cars will be very different next year. The order could be shaken up, which is going to make things very interesting.
Räikkönen also took advantage of the winter break to visit his team at the Enstone site. He left convinced of his choice, even impressed: « My two visits to Enstone were great. The first, during the team’s Christmas party, made me realize the great support I have here. The second, last week, made me realize that the team did not become world champion by chance. I also got to see the numerous improvements like the new simulator, the wind tunnel, etc… which gave me even more confidence for the upcoming season.»
For the Finn, this return to Formula 1 is a bit like coming home: Let’s put things clearly. Before my two years in rallying, I had 9 seasons, 157 Grand Prix, and 18 victories in Formula 1… I know this sport very well. When I went into rallying or NASCAR, I had a lot of new things to learn. But in Formula 1, it’s like I’m coming back home. I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel.
