Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen reflects on the 2020 F1 season, denying that there was frustration tied to his unfavorable results.
Raikkonen came P16 in the drivers’ championship, tied on points with his teammate Antonio Giovinazzi. Held back by an uncompetitive Alfa Romeo, the Finn scored points on two occasions, which amounted to four, despite some good showings.
Raikkonen says this is not the outcome he had expected after F1 winter testing – even though there was a hint to it – and confesses that there was some disappointment with the result, as a downward trend in performance continued, thanks in part to Ferrari PU.
“For sure it’s not what we expected before the season started, or wanted, and I think it became quite clear after testing already that we were not where we wanted to be, but there’s obviously many reasons for why were not that fast as we were hoping,” said Raikkonen to media including F1, Motorsport Network, Racefans.net, BBC and more.
“But obviously on that side it’s definitely disappointing as for all of us. But that’s how it turned out to be and soon it’s over and then we start from zero again, and obviously a lot of work has to be done for next year to be in a better position. But this is what we’ve got,” said Raikkonen, who denied any personal frustration tied to the lack of performance.
The Finn accepts that poor F1 seasons are part of competition, as are positive results. “[I am] not frustrated, but obviously it’s far from what we wanted,” said Raikkonen. “I think last year we did let’s say a pretty decent job, obviously later on the year we were definitely not where we wanted to be. Obviously hopes were higher.
“But it was quite soon quite obvious to all of us that it’s not going to be what we were… like to be. We just have to work and try to do a better job next year but that’s how it goes. Some years are more tricky for many reasons and obviously this sport the car makes a huge difference in the end. Good or bad, I think it’s every year you have disappointing results and good results and somewhere in the middle. But that’s part of the game,” Raikkonen concluded.
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