Kimi Räikkönen: “Sure Valtteri had enough space”

At ease in testing, Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) could not do better than fourth place in qualifying behind Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes). It is with his Finnish compatriot that the 2007 world champion will host the very start of the Barcelona race.

Author of a slightly better start than the Mercedes driver, the Ferrari resident appeared on the outside of the #08 Mercedes W77 at the first corner, but Bottas lightly collided with the #70 SF7H.

Sent to the right pontoon of the Red Bull RB13 Max Verstappen, Räikkönen could not avoid the Dutchman, both drivers being forced to retire due to damaged steering gear.

“I had a good start, but on the main straight I was blocked once by Bottas, Räikkönen explains. I chose to go a little to the left to give him space, but I don't know how, he hit me on the right rear, my car took off and I hit Verstappen. There was nothing me or Max could have done, when you are hit from behind like that there is no way to avoid the collision. I'm pretty sure Valtteri had enough space »

“I tried to go around the outside because there was a lot of room there, explains Verstappen. If Valtteri hadn't hit Kimi, we all would have had enough room to get through the corner. Due to the contact, Kimi lost control and hit me, but it wasn't his fault. »

If no penalty was inflicted, notably on Valtteri Bottas, the elimination of Räikkönen and Verstappen weighed heavily on the final result of the race, and removed the possibilities of big points for the two Ferrari and Red Bull teams, but offered in particular to Force India, the 4th and 5th final place.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Spanish Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Catalonia, in issue 2114 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.