3
Kimi Raikkonen says he needed at least another ten laps to pass compatriot Valtteri Bottas during the Singapore Grand Prix. Raikkonen tailed the Mercedes driver for much of the race, but failed to get by and was forced to settle for fifth place.
The Iceman remained close behind Bottas after the duo made their first pit stops, but he stated that he needed Bottas' tyres to fall away more before he could have mounted an attack.
“Obviously, most of the time we were just following and taking care of the tyres,” said Raikkonen. “I think we had decent speed but it is so difficult to overtake and we couldn’t use it.
“We got close, but every time we got close you start losing downforce and I think we needed like 10 more laps for Bottas to really struggle with his tyre. Then it would have been probably possible. Not a lot happened, really.”
The top six finished the Singapore race in the same positions they qualified in. Two weeks ago, Raikkonen was fighting for the victory in Italy after storming to pole position but believes that this time around, his race result was settled following his qualifying position.
“Unfortunately it’s what often happens if it’s a more straightforward race like it was,” he said. “Obviously when you have more Safety Cars who knows what happens? But when it’s a race like this, pretty straightforward, it’s difficult [to make gains].”
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
L. Hamilton
K. Räikkönen
V. Bottas
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
107,991 comments on Mercedes
2 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Valtteri Bottas
420,611 comments on Mercedes 50 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Mercedes
Spain
Spain
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
Austria
Red Bull Ring
Hungary
Hungaroring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Italy
Monza
Italy
Mugello
Russian
Sochi Autodrom
Germany
Nurburgring
Portugal
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
R. Kubica
Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,526
Sadly, I think it woulda taken more then that. I think Bottas is better than Kimi right now, especially when it comes to blocking.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Kimi wasn't anywhere near overtaking. Not even a single attempt. Bottas' tyres were older, but not by much. It was never going to happen.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,526
Indeed. I really dont like this new Kimi that mostly just exist. He can get up to good places, but then he remain there, neither attacking or defending.