Raikkonen on the cusp of yet another deserving milestone

Before I introduce the sports star, let me share some of the achievements he has had throughout his career -

• He is currently joint second in the record for the consecutive point scoring finishes (23) and one short of equalling the record
• He holds the world record of most consecutive race finishes (34 and running)
• He is 6th in the list of all time youngest race winners at 23 years and 157 days
• During 2005 Japanese GP, he started 17th on the grid and went on to win the race
• During 2006 Bahrain GP, he started 22nd on the grid and finished the race in 2nd place
• He secured fastest laps in more than 20% of the races he has started
• During 2005 and 2008 seasons, he secured 10 fastest laps each. No one has equalled or broken this feat
• In 2008, he secured 6 consecutive fastest laps, unparalleled in last 60 years of Formula 1

Isn’t he a legend already? Who is he?

The Iceman himself, Kimi Raikkonen. The ever so media shy, cool-as-a-cucumber and a thorough professional who always gives his best come what may! And based on his own statements during a race last season, he surely knows “what he is doing”. He will speak his mind with the media and his team alike. Irrespective, the media loves him. He has been the ever so consistent driver in the last 2 years. But his consistency came under intense threat recently.

During the last race, at the Monaco GP, he was destined to finish 5th and was cruising with less than 8 laps to go. That’s when an untoward incident happened with Sergio Perez. He had to go to the pits and rejoined last on the grid (16th). Racing fans who know Monaco circuit, know that overtaking is extremely tough there. But this guy overtook 6 other drivers in about 6 laps to finish 10th! That’s right, another point scoring position! Now that’s 23rd race in point scoring positions in a row! Talk of delivering, always.

In less than 2 weeks, at the Canadian GP, he will be on the cusp of yet another thrilling world record of completing 24 consecutive races in points scoring position, thereby equaling the F1 legend himself – Michael Schumacher. Will he make it? Statistically, he will – based on his past experiences.

Will it matter to him? As always – No.