437 replies to this topic

[Vesuvius]

Reading about Vettel's struggle with the new Ferrari's loose rear-end and the obvious pace of the car, I can't help thinking that Kimi still would be very competitive in it (similarly to the beginning of last year). Although I really enjoy his scraps in the midfield now, if only we would get to see more of it on TV.

Yes he would and new rules (minimum weight raise)would benefit him more this year, as he is heavier/more muscular driver than Seb

Edited by Vesuvius, 01 April 2019 - 11:44.

[Taxi]

"how's the front wing?" "i don't know you tell me"

[Mohican]

Giovinazzi is the Ferrari incumbent in this team and after him the next one in line is probably Mick Schumacher.  The only way Rausing's money could ever bring Ericsson back to F1 is to replace Kimi. Just accept it, your hero will never be back in an F1 race seat as he never got one or held it on pure driving merit anyway.

 

Why still so negative about Ericsson ? You are like a stuck record.

And who do you think recruited Raikkonen, anyway ? You surely don't think that it was Vasseur on his own, without checking with the owners ?

 

Anyway, I think that Williams would be very happy to have somebody like Ericsson/Hartley/Wehrlein/Ocon in their car rather than Kubica, but then, none of them would be desperate enough to accept.

[Mohican]

And btw, Raikkonen is signed for two years - which means that only way to get Schumacher is to get rid of Giovinazzi. And why should Ferrari want to do that ?

 

Above assumes that Vettel is still at Ferrari in 2020, of course. Perhaps not a given - could be Leclerc and Giovonazzi there next year. Certainly Ferrari could save itself a lot of money that way.

[Topsu]

Vettel has a contract for 2020. There is no chance in hell he won't be there.

[GlueAndTar]

Unless Seb does an Alonso at the end of the season based on Leclerc's form and replaces Gasly at RBR in 2020.

Based on that, I'm calling this season now: Bottas will win the WDC, while Ferrari squanders the best car in the field.

Kimi will win the crazy races in Baku and Spa.

Edited by GlueAndTar, 01 April 2019 - 12:47.

[jannyg]

Kimi is showing the midfielders why he held the Ferrari seat so long over them.

 

Kimi is collecting good points, being consistent and more importantly he is very clean wheel to wheel and not involved in silly incidents. 

 

He could outscore the Haas guys based on the above.

[Bleu]

And btw, Raikkonen is signed for two years - which means that only way to get Schumacher is to get rid of Giovinazzi. And why should Ferrari want to do that ?

 

 

If Giovinazzi has a really bad season and Schumacher really good one, it's a possibility. Basically kicking Giovinazzi out for good.

[Mohican]

Apart from everything else, I think that Giovinazzi being Italian (and the first Italian F1 driver since Trulli) may be of value to Alfa Romeo.

Really cannot see Schumacher at Alfa in 2020 regardless of his results in F2.

[Taxi]

Giovanazzi will come out good. He's young and still learning in a very tight field. Plus his car is not that competitive. Of course Kimi with his experience can put it higher but lets give the kid half a year at least. He sure looks better than Stroll in his first season and Stroll is geting to be a very decent racing driver these days. 

[juliuscaesar]

I've seen the onboard video of Kimi battling in Bahrain. Pure joy to watch, his wheel to wheel battle skill is hugely underrated. Very pleased to see him doing well in Alfa Romeo

[skaris]

Vettel has a contract for 2020. There is no chance in hell he won't be there.

 

As Kimi had for 2010...

Edited by skaris, 02 April 2019 - 11:27.

[Vesuvius]

Kimi to TS:
-"We had s pretty nice race, when we had few good wheel to wheel battles.It's so tight in the middle group, that all the little things has to be done really well.

We have to improve the car, that's clear, but we also have to be carefull not to do anything wrong (wrong development path.)We can improve from here.Even now, car was damn good on the final set and we would have had speed for more", Räikkönen said.

[Balnazzard]

Apart from everything else, I think that Giovinazzi being Italian (and the first Italian F1 driver since Trulli) may be of value to Alfa Romeo.

Really cannot see Schumacher at Alfa in 2020 regardless of his results in F2.

Ye I think Ferrari can afford to keep Mick in F2 for another year, then possibly promote him to Alfa in 2021 if/when Kimi retires at end of 2020 or if in the unlikely scenario that Kimi should still continue a year or two...and ofc by that time Vettel's contract with Ferrari has also run out so that might change things for them either way, either giving Gio the opportunity to be promoted or (another unlikely scenario) get Mick right into Ferrari

[Zilbert]

If Kimi keeps performing well, and Alfa manages to continuously produce and upgrade competitive packages, i could very well see Kimi trying out 2021 regulations car, why not. He doesn't seem bothered about fighting in the midfield, on the contrary.

[Balnazzard]

If Kimi keeps performing well, and Alfa manages to continuously produce and upgrade competitive packages, i could very well see Kimi trying out 2021 regulations car, why not. He doesn't seem bothered about fighting in the midfield, on the contrary.

Well I think it really comes down to Alfa's development as well as how much more Kimi would like to spend with his family.....Kimi already said last year (or was it year before) when asked about 2021 regulations that the matter doesnt concern him, cause he wouldnt be in F1 anymore in 2021, but then again Kimi has said one thing before and done the other in the end (like speaking about ending his career with Ferrari).....if the passion for racing is still there for him in 2020 and he and Alfa continues to deliver good results together, then fur sure, why not he couldnt continue even to 2021. But I would say that do not count on it to happening, but after I said that there is no way that Kimi would go to Sauber/Alfa or any other team should his Ferrari career come to end, Im not going to say anymore that anything is certain with Kimi

[Vesuvius]

If Kimi keeps performing well, and Alfa manages to continuously produce and upgrade competitive packages, i could very well see Kimi trying out 2021 regulations car, why not. He doesn't seem bothered about fighting in the midfield, on the contrary.

Yes, I would say it's very likely even. Much depends on how much (if) the team will progress and what kind of team/budget they will have. New reulations will possibly make it even more tempting.

[GlueAndTar]

Ferrari have a whole bunch of capable / potential drivers between four cars right now.

 

Howabout this. For 2021, VET out. Ferrari; LeClerc - Kimi. Alfa; Gio - Mick. 

 

If speed and desire meet, things can happen, even if for a one-year-exclusive ;)

[Clrnc]

I've seen the onboard video of Kimi battling in Bahrain. Pure joy to watch, his wheel to wheel battle skill is hugely underrated. Very pleased to see him doing well in Alfa Romeo

That double overtake on both TR is amazing, purely because it is so intelligent. There were so many corners many drivers would have just punt one into, but he waited and used his skills cleanly. 

[DrF]

Kimi to TS:
-"We had s pretty nice race, when we had few good wheel to wheel battles.It's so tight in the middle group, that all the little things has to be done really well.

We have to improve the car, that's clear, but we also have to be carefull not to do anything wrong (wrong development path.)We can improve from here.Even now, car was damn good on the final set and we would have had speed for more", Räikkönen said.

When did he ever sound so positive and upbeat when driving for Ferrari?

[Rupert]

As I said on another thread, earlier in the year, Giovinazzi is gonna get trashed by Kimi all year. I followed him on Euro F3, he's an above average driver and that's it. Others like Rosenqvist are much better

[DrF]

Any particular reason that GIO is struggling to get points, or is Kimi just wringing the neck of that car?

[thegamer23]

Two races in, last season Leclerc was struggling against Ericsson in the first few outings

Just saying 

[DutchQuicksilver]

Any particular reason that GIO is struggling to get points, or is Kimi just wringing the neck of that car?

Definitely the latter. I believe on pure pace, the Alfa car is behind Haas, Renault and McLaren and on par with Toro Rosso.

[Taxi]

Any particular reason that GIO is struggling to get points, or is Kimi just wringing the neck of that car?

 

Reasons:

1- It's just 2 races, too litle of a sample

2- Kimi is soooo experient compared to other drivers in the midfield [Kvyat, Albon, Norris, Gio,  Stroll, Sainz]. He will outsmart the younger ones but also the agressive ones [Haas gang, Pérez, Ricciardo...] 

3- Kimi was fast but also lucky: Renault had troubles, Sainz had troubles, Grosjean had troubles. 

 

4- Midfield is really tight but The Alfa is a bit behind Renault, Haas and Mclaren in pure performace [and in the pit stops] and that's why Giovinazzi will strugle a bit more for points. 

[ARTGP]

I've seen the onboard video of Kimi battling in Bahrain. Pure joy to watch, his wheel to wheel battle skill is hugely underrated. Very pleased to see him doing well in Alfa Romeo

 

Agreed. He's a racer. Not a weaving under the brake zone a-hole....

[Mohican]

Ferrari have a whole bunch of capable / potential drivers between four cars right now.

 

Howabout this. For 2021, VET out. Ferrari; LeClerc - Kimi. Alfa; Gio - Mick. 

 

If speed and desire meet, things can happen, even if for a one-year-exclusive ;)

 

Raikkonen is no longer contracted to Ferrari.

The Ferrari-designated driver at Alfa is Giovinazzi; Kimi has got nothing to do with Ferrari anymore.

[TheWilliamzer]

I think if both GIO and SCH do a good season then maybe the latter will get the HAAS seat in 2020? GRO is not safe.

[GlueAndTar]

Raikkonen is no longer contracted to Ferrari.

The Ferrari-designated driver at Alfa is Giovinazzi; Kimi has got nothing to do with Ferrari anymore.

My remark was mostly in jest, but I'll clarify.

If SF let go of Seb for '21, that leaves the seat next to LeClerc vacant and by that time, Kimi would be done with his current Alfa contract.

Hence, Kimi could theoretically do one more Ferrari season (2021) and retire from the sport as a Ferrari driver. Could happen just as well as something else.

Some folks (even at Scuderia) may pine for Gio to graduate to a Ferrari, but that remains to be seen. He needs to get up to speed first.

[Taxi]

If Kimi somehow was at Ferrari in 2021 I would be seriously concerned that he had fotage of some old Enzo Ferrari gay porn movie or something. By then you will have a lot of younger faster avilable drivers: Guys like Hulkenberg, Russell, Norris, even Bottas or some Red Bull reject... 

[Anja]

Kimi seems really happy right where he is, why would he go back to Ferrari only to get demolished by Charles and get dragged back into the Scuderia environment which doesn't suit him? I wish him all the best and that's why I think he should just steer clear of them. It's fun to have dreams and wild theories but "Kimi back to Ferrari" is just too much. 

[GlueAndTar]

Oh, lighten up.

Kimi back in a Ferrari later on is a very slim chance, in my mind, anyway. If it were to happen at all, it would be due to a lot of things happening with other candidates as well.

Just saying, very few people would've thought he'd be back after 2009. For sure, KUB was due to replace Massa in 2012 (I think) and Bianchi was their top prospect before his accident. Hence, Kimi's chances for a seat improved because of tragedies elsewhere. But he got it, and multiple extensions, regardless.

Two races in, Alfa seems a much better fit for Kimi. He can focus on racing instead of driving 'the other car', which SF generally show less consideration for. I for one would be surprised if he'd go back, moreso if Alfa would offer him an extension.

But never exclude wacky career moves with Kimi, that he has proven time and again.

[noikeee]

Even Kubica to Ferrari sounded saner than Kimi back again, in 2 years time (!). He's doing well now but he'll be 41 by then. If he was deemed not good enough at 38 why hire him at 41.

[ARTGP]

Kimi has it great with Alfa. None of the politics of Ferrari. He gets to go around the world, drive fast cars, and probably a reduced media commitment compared to Ferrari. It sounds like Kimi just likes the tactical challenge of racing. The Alfa isn't going to win anything anytime soon. Kimi just relishes the opportunity to race other people. Whether it's the front of grid, or midfield. What a life! And a world champion already.

[Jovanotti]

https://www.gpblog.c...-raikkonen.html

So F1 has become a hobby for Kimi Good on him.

Edited by Jovanotti, 11 April 2019 - 15:19.

[turssi]

https://www.gpblog.c...-raikkonen.html

So F1 has become a hobby for Kimi Good on him.

First it was passion for speed, for winning, drinking. Then about coming back, money, racing. Now it's for fun, a hobby. A true trailblazer and pioneer for the youngsters to look up to.

[Jovanotti]

Giovinazzi on the backfoot already due to a wrong engine installation...unbelievable.

[Alexandros]

1 Lewis Hamilton GBR MERCEDES 68

2 Valtteri Bottas FIN MERCEDES 62

3 Max Verstappen NED RED BULL RACING HONDA 39

4 Sebastian Vettel GER FERRARI 37

5 Charles Leclerc MON FERRARI 36

6 Pierre Gasly FRA RED BULL RACING HONDA 13

7 Kimi Räikkönen FIN ALFA ROMEO RACING FERRARI 12

8 Lando Norris GBR MCLAREN RENAULT 8

9 Kevin Magnussen DEN HAAS FERRARI 8

10 Nico Hulkenberg GER RENAULT 6

11 Daniel Ricciardo AUS RENAULT 6

12 Sergio Perez MEX RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES 5

13 Alexander Albon THA SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO HONDA 3

14 Lance Stroll CAN RACING POINT BWT MERCEDES 2

15 Daniil Kvyat RUS SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO HONDA 1

16 Antonio Giovinazzi ITA ALFA ROMEO RACING FERRARI 0

17 Romain Grosjean FRA HAAS FERRARI 0

18 Carlos Sainz ESP MCLAREN RENAULT 0

19 George Russell GBR WILLIAMS MERCEDES 0

20 Robert Kubica POL WILLIAMS MERCEDES 0

 

Best of the non-RBR/Merc/Ferrari crowd 

Edited by Alexandros, 14 April 2019 - 08:26.

[Zesus]

Yeah, his class is shown, very impressive.

[Trust]

Alfa should have pitted Kimi on SS to go for fastest lap. He had quite a big margin on Albon, he would overtake him easily.

[haryantofan666]

No they should not have. They were going for P7, or atleast P8. If not for the blue flags and losing tyre temps, they would have had a go. 

 

Kimi did a great job. Gio just isn't in the fight. 

[thegamer23]

Giovinazzi had technical problems all weekend long, missed two sessions out of 4. 
It wasn't going to be a good race. 

But yep, he needs to start score some points in Baku (wich was probably his best track in F2), or at least start showing he can stay close to Kimi.

If not, i can see Mick Schumacher's shadow on him!

Edited by thegamer23, 14 April 2019 - 09:22.

[Radion]

Happy for Kimi. He really seems to be enjoying himself out there. And also getting that car into the points three out of three races just shows his worth. Maybe he can break his record for most consecutive points finishes. What a feat that would be 😎

[Jovanotti]

Well done, expected a bit more after he cleared the Haas' so quickly, but still best of the rest in the WDC and P5 in the constructers on par with Renault. Not bad for what has effectively been a one car team so far.

Probably should have pitted Kimi 2 laps or so earlier as he was losing a lot of time on the old tyres. Could have made the difference to P7 in the end.

Now please no more technical issues on Antonio's car.

Edited by Jovanotti, 14 April 2019 - 09:46.

[Balnazzard]

Well done, expected a bit more after he cleared the Haas' so quickly, but still best of the rest in the WDC and P5 in the constructers on par with Renault. Not bad for what has effectively been a one car team so far.

Probably should have pitted Kimi 2 laps or so earlier as he was losing a lot of time on the old tyres. Could have made the difference to P7 in the end.

Now please no more technical issues on Antonio's car.

Well Kimi himself said that they very likely had the best strategy so that really would not have made difference in the end....if anything he might have lost more time with traffic if he had gone for 2 stop strategy.

[HermannH]

Giovinazzi had technical problems all weekend long, missed two sessions out of 4. 
It wasn't going to be a good race. 

But yep, he needs to start score some points in Baku (wich was probably his best track in F2), or at least start showing he can stay close to Kimi.

If not, i can see Mick Schumacher's shadow on him!

young schumacher should first perform well in Formula 2 before he can be considered for f1.

[Jovanotti]

Well Kimi himself said that they very likely had the best strategy so that really would not have made difference in the end....if anything he might have lost more time with traffic if he had gone for 2 stop strategy.

I was just talking about pitting him a few laps earlier, not about switching to a 2 stop. But yeah, more or less their strategy was fine today.

[Starish]

Kimi was being to kind with the Blue Flags(he must know the pain)... he was losing a second or more while Perez was losing tenths when getting passed.

[dreamer]

AUSTRALIA

 

Qualifying

Kimi: 9th

Antonio:14th

1 - 0

 

Race

Kimi: 8th

Antonio: 15th

 

 

BAHRAIN 

 

Qualifying

Kimi: 9th (started 8th due to a Grosjean penalty)

Antonio: 16th

2 - 0

 

Race

Kimi: 7th

Antonio: 11th

2 - 0

 

CHINA

 

Qualifying

Kimi 13th

Antonio  19th

3 - 0

 

Race

Kimi 9th

Antonio 15th

3 - 0

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Points

Kimi: 12 (7th)

Antonio: 0 (16th)

Alfa Romeo: 12 (4th) 

Edited by dreamer, 14 April 2019 - 13:42.

[dreamer]

Kimi did some good overtaking today    One of the best riders in the race.