F1 team review - Ferrari

"Starting from half distance in the world championship, Kimi Raikkonen would have been right up there - in fact, prior to Brazil he would have been leading the championship for what it's worth.

"In the second half of the season, the Finn really came alive and scored a haul of points.

"It was at the Hungarian Grand Prix when his team-mate Felipe Massa disappeared off to hospital that Raikkonen turned things around; he was the king of the scarlet castle once again.

"The Finn produced a strong victory at Spa, one of his favourite circuits, and then he got a lucky third in Monza after Hamilton crashed out.

"You have to say this only goes to confirm that he delivers when he feels like it, although Ferrari did improve the car.

"Raikkonen took the world championship for Ferrari in 2007 - albeit a slightly fortunate one - but now the Italian giants have decided they don't want a laidback Raikkonen after all and have paid him off a year early.

"It is a bit embarrassing, although he won't think that when he sees the numbers in his bank account.

"Raikkonen is looking for a new team and feels he should be paid as a former world champion. Teams are balking at this, but if he takes a realistic financial approach he should stay on the grid next season in a good car.

"Although he's just as likely to go rallying.

"The Finn is still a world-class driver when he's motivated."

After being over-shadowed by his team-mate, the Finn must get back to his best

What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula One driver?

Fast, adrenalin, funny.

What is the biggest perk of the job?

No comment.

How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?

As someone who gave his best.

What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?

If there was one, I have forgotten it!

Who is the worst dressed Formula One driver?

I have never done a ranking…

Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost?

Neither.

Spa or Monaco?

Both.

RAIKKONEN STATS & FACTS Team: Ferrari Team-mate: Felipe Massa Previous teams: Sauber and McLaren Car number: 4 Nationality: Finnish Born: 17/10/1979, Espoo Grand Prix debut: Australia 2001 World championships: 1 Grands Prix entered: 157 Wins: 18 Pole positions: 16 Podiums: 62 Points: 579

If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?

Someone who deals with motors, anyway.

Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?

Good question… there are so many…

What would be your perfect day off?

Relaxing and chilling out with my friends and family.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

We spend the year travelling all over the world so on holiday all that I want is staying at home.

Apart from a house what is the most expensive thing you own?

A boat.

What is your favourite item of clothing?

Jeans? Nothing really special.

What is your favourite music to drive to?

I like a lot of types of music, nothing specific for driving.

Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?

No one: I do not have any idol.

Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know

You should ask them… I am a very simple person so no secrets behind my face.

Steve McQueen or Paul Newman?

Steve McQueen.

Boxers or briefs?

Boxers.

Angelina Jolie or Keira Knightley?

Angelina Jolie.

James Bond or Austin Powers?

James Bond.

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