- 06 Dec 07, 17:14#26200
Raikkonen says problems forced McLaren move
Thu 06 Dec, 08:22 AM
New world champion Kimi Raikkonen says he left McLaren at the end of last year because of 'problems' he was having with the British team.
The Finn, who drove for Ron Dennis' outfit for five years before switching to Ferrari in 2007, told the Roman newspaper Corriere dello Sport: "I was in a situation that I did not like too much."
Raikkonen explained that McLaren's qualms with him had little to do with his performance.
"It was more a question of my behaviour and what I wanted to do in my free time," he said. "But I have always been very clear: I want to live my life as well."
Raikkonen was asked how he would have felt if he had been in Fernando Alonso's shoes at McLaren this year.
"Even worse, I would say. Whenever I am with other teams, I have very good relationships," he answered.
He admits that Lewis Hamilton's mistakes at the end of the season helped him to emerge with the drivers' title.
"I don't know if it was only because he was a newcomer," Raikkonen said.
"I think he found himself in a situation with very high psychological pressure in the decisive moments. But I also won more races," he smiled.
Thu 06 Dec, 08:22 AM
New world champion Kimi Raikkonen says he left McLaren at the end of last year because of 'problems' he was having with the British team.
The Finn, who drove for Ron Dennis' outfit for five years before switching to Ferrari in 2007, told the Roman newspaper Corriere dello Sport: "I was in a situation that I did not like too much."
Raikkonen explained that McLaren's qualms with him had little to do with his performance.
"It was more a question of my behaviour and what I wanted to do in my free time," he said. "But I have always been very clear: I want to live my life as well."
Raikkonen was asked how he would have felt if he had been in Fernando Alonso's shoes at McLaren this year.
"Even worse, I would say. Whenever I am with other teams, I have very good relationships," he answered.
He admits that Lewis Hamilton's mistakes at the end of the season helped him to emerge with the drivers' title.
"I don't know if it was only because he was a newcomer," Raikkonen said.
"I think he found himself in a situation with very high psychological pressure in the decisive moments. But I also won more races," he smiled.
Youngest Double World Champion Ever
21st member of the Grand Slam Club
Twice is definitely better than once because 2 times in heaven is better than 1
21st member of the Grand Slam Club
Twice is definitely better than once because 2 times in heaven is better than 1