Räikkönen: “F1 is not the best place to tell people what to do”

We had concocted a medley for you of the craziest moments of Kimi Räikkönen's career en Formula 1. Now in his forties, the veteran of the set did not lose his outspokenness at a press conference in Mexico City (Mexico). 

First subject discussed, the recent poor performance of its Alfa Romeo. Not enough to change his mind about his passion for F1, even at an age where retirement would be tempting. “Unfortunately, there are always races that go well and others that don’t. »

His last finish in the points goes back to Hungary at the end of July (7e). “Results don’t dictate my passion for F1, it doesn’t decide whether I suddenly like driving or not. »

The Finn then brushed aside the cliché of the weight of years. “If I look at a week ago, nothing has changed. In the end it's just a number, it's not like you're going to suddenly take a year in the space of a day. » Not false.

Kimi Räikkönen kept his incisive verve for other nagging questions from journalists on the subject of age. “I don’t feel proud, it’s neither good nor bad, I’m a pilot if I like it. Otherwise, I have plenty of other activities within my reach. »

Launched by the green fiber of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), the subject of ecology in Formula 1 was addressed by “The Iceman”. And his opinion has the merit of being clear. “We're trying to do everything possible, but frankly we're not in the best position to make a big deal out of it, at-il jugé.

Ultimately, we burn fuel for what purpose? To be first, second? I mean, obviously we try to do our part where possible, but I think F1 is not the best place to tell people what to do.

Indeed, if you really want to go in this direction we should all stay home and forget about car competition. » It would definitely consume less! 

These pragmatic, although sensible, words contrast with Lewis Hamilton's desire to reduce polluting emissions as much as possible, without calling into question the energy consumption of an F1 driver's very wealthy lifestyle.