Räikkönen did not prepare for Jeddah

While Formula 1 has set foot on Saudi Arabian soil for the first time in its history, Kimi Räikkönen did not hesitate to say that he would approach this new circuit without having prepared for it.

The vast majority of drivers walk the track for the first time on Thursday to analyze every little detail of each circuit. What about Iceman? It’s a long track, so even more reason not to walk it, declared number 7, with a slight smile, at the press conference.

The 2007 world champion did not drive in the simulator either but for a good reason. I have not seen the track and anyway, we do not have this track in the simulator. It seems there are not many corners. At least half of the corners will not be there but we will see, it is a new track, and as is always the case with a circuit like this, an urban circuit, it is always harder to learn. But we will try to understand tomorrow.”

Räikkönen also revealed that he had not put in more effort before arriving in Qatar but just like two weeks ago, Kimi is not worried. As an old hand, he has always preferred to learn a track once settled in his race car.

« I hope everything will be fine, the last time in Qatar, on another new circuit, I didn’t even complete the lap. Most of the time, if you brake between the 100 and 50 meters signs, depending on the speed at which you enter the turn, it’s pretty close to the truth. As long as you can see the direction the turn is taking, it should be fine. »

What may seem, in the eyes of some, like nonchalance did not prevent the veteran from being the first of the two Alfa Romeo cars in qualifying as well as in the race in Qatar. In Jeddah, thanks to his immense experience, and if his car turns out to be a little more competitive, it will not be impossible to see Kimi make his mark if the situation allows it.