The Iceman's Redemption?

They called him F1′s bad boy. They labeled him a trouble-maker. They bawled on him as a reckless, nonchalant, enterprising and a mediocre driver when the world of racing thumped its conclusion on him. They all had their say. But for this man, Kimi Raikkonen, all the criticisms freewheeling around was just sheer nonsense.

Quoting Chris Dyer,“Kimi tends not to be distracted by what else is going on and he focuses on the job we are doing. It is very much a perception from the outside that he isn’t focused – we don’t see that. When he’s in the car, briefings, debriefings, he’s always on the job and very focused.”

Kimi Matias Raikkonen, popularly known as The Flying Finn, started racing since his childhood in hometown Espoo, Finland. Speed, excellence, perfection, risk and danger are his distinguishing qualities. His exceptional racing at the junior arena was noticed and he debuted in Formula 1 in 2001 with Sauber-Petronas.

He started his F1 career with mixed results. He twice came close to finishing on the podium but a sprawling 7 unfinished, retired races juxtaposed his pace and talent. He was received by few promising comments on propelling his talent to the next level and even more conflicting critics doubting his ability to drive within car limits. Did he make it? Yes, he did. Not only did he disprove all the critics by replacing fellow countryman and F1 great Mika Hakkinen in the Mclaren, but also made an impressive and paramount beginning to put him as Mclaren’s front runner.

It was in 2003 when Kimi left the world awe-inspired. Raikkonen challenged then 5 time world champion Michael Schumacher at the highest degree of speed, excellence and competition. Had Kimi throttled past Rubens Barichello through the final chicane of the final lap in the intense 2003 Japanese GP, he would’ve been the world champion. But Kimi finished second only to give away the world championship to Michael Schumacher who was chasing his dream to be the best Formula 1 racer.

With a relatively quiet 2004, racing past the others only on one occasion, he failed to entertain his fans and critics en route.

2005 saw the best of the Iceman as he raced all out with perfection and elegance. Whether down to clever strategy, hard work or just mere following the others, Raikkonen looked formidable. He pulled a rare card out of the pack in the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit. Kimi started 17th in the grid and the Finn claimed victory for Mclaren in arguably the greatest race in Formua One history. He went past Giancarlo Fiscichella in the lap to finally have tasted success in what was to be an unlucky circuit. Kimi Raikkonen was already looking like a champion-in waiting. Kimi had an exceptional year in terms of podium finishes and being the only one to challenge then reigning world champion Fernando Alonso beside Schumacher, who burned down all the fuel in his tank to try and clinch the title going out on retirement. Yet once again, Kimi was too close yet too far. He finished second in the Drivers’ Championships with 7 wins in the season.

By now, Kimi was talked about by everyone in Formula 1 and around for his animated driving, ability to get the best out of his car, illustrious pace, celebrated strategy, craving for more victories. For one thing, luck seemed to have deserted him. If Kimi had even a teaspoon of Alonso’s or Schumacher’s luck in his career, his stats would have been more sensational than they already are.

Kimi quit Mclaren and signed a record breaking deal with Scuderia-Ferrai in 2007 to be the highest paid driver since the inception of this sport. Highly anticipated to win the championships, he had the perfect start to the season winning the Australian GP and more to complement that. But soon, Raikkonnen was tested. Car problems, retired races put him in great doubt of the championships.

When it seemed a distant hope, Kimi struck back. With a spectacular win at Silverstone and backing it with a podium finish the SPA, a revival was on the cards. In Hungarian GP, he was the king of the scarlet. Down to the last two occasions left to burn the rubber, Kimi had a 17 point deficit over Championship leader, Lewis Hamilton. With a win in the penultimate race, the stage was set for the greatest ever Formula 1 showdown. Sao Paulo awaited the champions to zip through its acuminous, penetrative and hypersonic circuit. A win at Sao Paulo wouldn’t do any good to Kimi, but mistakes by Alonso and Hamilton would open up the window. Going past the chequered flag and a strong drive from team-mate Massa constituted the Ferrari 1-2. Now the world waited for the other contenders to cross the line. Did Kimi make it?

YES! It was overwhelming and incredible scenes in the Ferrari garage when the race finished and Kimi had just won the World Championship by a single point. By bettering double world champion Alonso and F1′s newest superstar, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi had secured Ferrrari their first driver title of the post-Schumacher era. It may have been a long time coming, but what a one to win!

Next season Kimi had a relatively passive season. In 2009, Kimi quit Ferrari and Formula 1. F1 had just lost one of its best drivers who was a sheer pleasure to watch. Kimi’s love for speed continued when he raced in rally racing for 2 years.

In early 2012, rumors quoting Kimi’s return to F1 developed. Kimi’s love for the highest level of the sport couldn’t keep him away for long. Kimi signed with Lotus to make it six world champions at the start of the grid at the start of the season beginning in Melbourne. Critics doubted Kimi’s decision of returning to F1 as to what will Kimi bring to the party?

Kimi proved all his critics wrong with his strong comeback with 2 Podium finishes in the first 6 races and other satisfying finishes in the season. The Iceman has come off age keeping his head down and putting energy into car to bring out the maximum performance from his not so fancied Lotus. The Flying Finn has reborn.

Quoting legendary Jackie Stewart, “It’s brilliant to see Kimi and the Lotus flower”.

Brushing away all criticism, you remember Suzuka 2005 and other great races. Kimi’s thumping championship challenges in 2003, ’05, how he has always been best on ‘great drivers’ circuit’. You remember that great drivers just make things happen and you imagine what Kimi could do with your car, what difference he alone can make. Kimi was never gone. Kimi brings with him a universe of talent, speed, focus, passion, consistency, and clinical driving. He will always be remembered as fast, inspiring, adrenalin and funny driver who always gave his best. And when the 5 red lights go off,….watch out for the ghost machine in black and golden combat. Hail KIMI !!