Kimi Raikkonen, a beloved figure in the world of Formula 1, retired from the sport at the end of the 2021 season. Known for his exceptional speed and straightforward personality, Raikkonen often entertained the paddock with his witty comments. One such incident was shared by a former team manager who had worked with Ferrari and Williams.
Raikkonen was a highly respected driver in the Formula 1 paddock, and his lack of interest in public relations only added to his allure. Peter Windsor, who had the opportunity to witness Raikkonen’s quiet and reserved demeanor firsthand, recounted an incident that occurred at a birthday celebration.
During a live broadcast, Windsor delved into his interaction with Raikkonen. He described a moment when both were on a balcony, silently observing their surroundings. Suddenly, Raikkonen turned to Windsor and uttered the words, “I hate Formula 1,” before walking away.
Surprised by this unexpected declaration from a former world champion, Windsor approached Raikkonen on the balcony to check on him. It seems Raikkonen’s comment was made in a casual manner, as he had reached the pinnacle of success in Formula 1 by winning the championship in 2007. He remains the last driver to achieve this feat with Ferrari, a record that the team’s current lineup of drivers aims to change in 2025.
Both Raikkonen and his contemporary had illustrious careers in various racing categories. However, since 2021, the Dutch driver has secured three consecutive titles, while the Monegasque driver continues to struggle to reach the podium. This led Windsor to express disappointment in Leclerc’s performance compared to Verstappen.
Windsor, at 72 years old, believes that Leclerc’s efforts do not compare to Verstappen’s remarkable achievements. While Leclerc has only managed five wins so far, Verstappen has accumulated an impressive 57 victories during the same period. This glaring difference has led the Formula 1 expert to question Leclerc’s talent level compared to the three-time champion.
However, it is important to consider that Ferrari’s lack of speed compared to their rivals may have contributed to Leclerc’s performances falling below expectations. With a significant part of the 2024 season still to come, there is a possibility for Leclerc to salvage his campaign amidst the dominance of the Austrian team.
