Räikkönen should stop the vodka according to Berger

In an interview on the ORF television channel, Gerhard Berger – whose name was mentioned a few days ago as a potential successor to Eric Boullier at the helm of the Lotus team – was questioned about Kimi Räikkönen’s return. And the least that can be said is that the former McLaren, Ferrari, and Benetton driver seemed quite circumspect.

« Kimi is a great guy, a rare man who brings a lot of color to F1. His return is certainly a boon for Formula 1. But will he be able to return to his best level? I’m divided. What is certain is that he will need to ease off on the vodka and take control, with discipline and motivation. » Harsh words that refer to the many side activities the Finn indulges in outside the cockpits, making him the worthy heir of James Hunt in the top category.

Honestly, I would be surprised if he had the strength, motivation, and ability to impose sufficient discipline on himself to return to where he was. I sincerely hope he succeeds. He should not be underestimated; he has the talent and speed for it. However, if I had been leading the team, I wouldn’t have taken this gamble. I would not have hired him. Rally and F1 are too different to immediately return to the highest level. The Austrian thus does not hide his perplexity about a return that has nonetheless been praised by all the actors in the discipline, highlighting both Räikkönen’s talent and the added value the Finn brings to the 2012 Formula 1 season lineup.

With the drastic reduction in the number of private test sessions in recent seasons, there is no doubt that Kimi Räikkönen’s performances will receive special attention from the F1 Circus, always ready to get excited about those who have already achieved the ultimate prize. As a reminder, the Lotus driver will conduct tests behind the wheel of the Renault R29 starting in January.