Gerhard Berger believes Kimi Raikkonen will not be a success upon his return to F1 – Formula 1 news
Gerhard Berger has said that he would be surprised if Kimi Raikkonen’s return to Formula 1 will be a success.
He said that he does not believe that the Finn will have the strength, discipline and ambition to return at the forefront of the sport. The return of Raikkonen has been hailed by many former drivers for the good of the sport and believe that he will be motivated
enough to be competitive.
However, where there is immense support for his comeback there are critics who feel that he will not have the motivation to go for the wins. Raikkonen left Formula 1 in 2009 and took part in World Rally Championships although without any success for two
years.
Raikkonen has maintained that he is motivated more than ever and has not lost any pace over the two-year banishment from the sport. The 32-year-old will not have much time for testing and will have to adjust to the new rules and the Pirelli tyres as well.
“I would say it is 50/50 if he is able to reach the top again,” Berger was quoted as saying to Austria’s ORF. “I would be surprised if he has the strength, discipline and ambition to return to the front. Of course he should not be underestimated and I don't
underestimate him - there is no question he is quick and it would be good for F1, so let's hope for it and wish him all the best.”
“[However] I would not have taken him. Formula One is so unique. If you don't really live it day and night, constantly perfecting yourself and working on it, it is difficult. It's hard, hard work, and whether he has the willingness to do this hard, hard
work, we'll see,” he further added.
Berger believes that Formula 1 is a sport in which continuous practice is required to keep one’s self abreast with all the developments and innovations taking place. Let’s see how the Finn copes up with the changes that have taken place since his departure
from the sport.
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