Räikkönen: Verstappen’s manoeuvre "was not correct"
Starting from the back of the grid, Kimi Räikkönen made a fine comeback in his Ferrari at the Hungaroring. He then came up against Max Verstapen to finish sixth in the race.
Kimi Räikkönen’s race started at the back of the grid in fourteenth place due to a mistake in qualifying. Starting on soft tires, he extended his first stint, which allowed him to gain several positions. His race pace was even one of the fastest for a good part of the event.
His Grand Prix was then marked by a duel with Verstappen. After his last pit stop, the Iceman found himself behind the Dutch driver. He attempted an attack in the second corner, where he lost a few flaps from his front wing. When asked what he thought of Verstappen’s defense, he replied that the maneuver wasn’t correct.
« *I did everything I could to avoid contact but when I decide to go somewhere you can’t just go there too*. » he added visibly annoyed.
A few laps later he tried again, but this time at the first corner with no more success. I tried to avoid him but I have the feeling that he moved twice, which was not correct. According to the Finn, Verstappen’s movements are prohibited by the regulations, but above all, he objectively considers: When the guy in front holds his position, the guy behind commits, and the other one moves, it’s difficult to avoid each other.
Räikkönen also complained about it over the radio to his team but especially to Charlie Whiting, the race director. However, it didn’t change anything since the Finn had to settle for sixth place in the final standings. “We called Charlie and they said they were watching the footage closely and according to them there was only one movement,” says Maurizio Arrivabene, sporting director of Ferrari.
This result remains a good performance by Räikkönen, allowing him to stay ahead of his teammate in the world championship, in fourth place.
