Former champion Damon Hill believes Kimi Raikkonen can still win Championships – Formula 1 news
Former champion Damon Hill says that Kimi Raikkonen has still got it in him to be able to claim a couple of World Championships.
Raikkonen left Formula 1 in 2009 and started to rally. Lack of motivation was widely attributed as his reason to quit the sport. Ever since then, rumours have been running wild of a possible comeback for the Finn. However, no deal was ever formalised, but
after a two-year banishment, Renault have been able to lure Raikkonen back into Formula 1.
“We want to see someone upset the applecart, although I think Adrian [Newey] is fantastic, and [Sebastian] Vettel, [Mark] Webber and Red Bull Racing is a great team at the front - and they seem to be fun loving,” Hill said.
Ever since the news of Raikkonen’s comeback broke, there have been talks of whether the Finn is Formula 1 ready. His lack of fitness and motivation were being questioned. Renault and Raikkonen himself have maintained that the former champion is ready, fit
and motivated.
The 32-year old is still regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1. He has recorded 18 Grand Prix victories and won the championship back in 2007 while driving for Ferrari.
Hill has said that bringing back Raikkonen to Formula 1 is only going to make the sport better. He also said that he believes that the Finn can still be a champion again.
“It is good to have that - but I know that they want to fight for it. They don't want it too easy. So a good titanic battle between three top teams would be fantastic to see,” he further added.
Hill while talking to Autosport was also asked about the recent move away from the European venues for the Grand Prix races. He responded with the same notion as the Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo. He also believes that Europe is very important for
the sport and it should not be ignored.
“I think that is worth emphasising – it is not all about the bottom line. It is about going to place where people understand and appreciate the sport,” he added.
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