Hamilton: Ferrari dropping Raikkonen makes no sense
- Published on 02 Oct 2018 10:18
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Lewis Hamilton says that Ferrari will be losing a strong driver at the end of 2018 when Kimi Raikkonen departs the Maranello team. Ferrari confirmed last month that it would promote its junior driver Charles Leclerc, despite this year being his rookie season.
Raikkonen has raced for Ferrari since 2014, which is his second stint with the team. The Finn remains the most recent driver to win a championship for Ferrari, which was back in 2007. And Hamilton has questioned the thinking behind his Ferrari exit.
"I don't think Kimi is going to change in the last races," he said. "He is an extraordinary professional and a fantastic driver. He remains one of my favourite drivers, and I'm convinced that Ferrari is losing a very important driver. It does not make sense to me."
Despite the fact he'll be leaving Ferrari, the Iceman will stay on the grid next year as he signed a two-year deal with Sauber. The Swiss team is currently resurging and will be hoping for an even stronger 2019 season with Raikkonen part of the team.
Another team that will be hoping to be successful next year is Red Bull, who will switch to Honda power. The energy drink squad has been well out of the championship hunt this year, leaving the battle to Mercedes and Ferrari. But Hamilton hopes that a third team can join in soon.
"We need a third strong team," he said. "Otherwise it's boring - I want to have more of these guys to beat. Red Bull has been building a great car for years, but I often wonder if the management there is always making the right decisions," he commented.
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Replies (8)
Login to replyF1_IS_Dead
Posts: 123
"It does not make sense to me."
Vettel thinks the same. I wonder why both prefer Raikkonnen over Leclerc.
"I want to have more of these guys to beat."
Of course you do, just like you considered giving your place back to Bottas.
This guy is sitting in a rocket ship with a dog as teammate. He doesn't have to beat anyone at this moment and yet he has problems to outqalify and overtake someone like Bottas.
I hope his wish comes true next year. RBR doesn't even have to build an equal car. Max will manage him with ease, if they come close.
juju_hound
Posts: 180
I hope he will remember these words, every time when Leclerc will beat him
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
Hmmmm, scared he is..
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
oh, I'm sure Hamilton knows why they dropped Kimi. If not, would know it next season.
f1ski
Posts: 726
Loss in the belief in Vettel
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Raikkonen has been a dog since he re-joined Ferrari. It's amazing that Ferrari kept him around this long.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It is, and I think Vettel was the only reason. He hasnt been very competitive, and he hasnt even been an all that good c***blocker.
Norbert
Posts: 108
From what I read and understand, it was Sergio Marchionne’s decision to demote Kimi Raikkonen after learning what happened at Guy Laliberté’s Montreal GP Closing Party at Velvet Speakeasy. And the story was thus:
Downstairs near the dj booth, Waitress served group of men Dom. "swaying like an inflatable tube man and his English was sounding a lot more like his first language" Drunk leader of the gang hands over black American express card. His name is on it. Waitress takes card, comes back with the machine and they start giving her the gears.
She passes the card machine. Ice asks, “How much for you?” She says pleasantly, “I’m not for sale…” He repeats, “How much for you though? He won't punch in the numbers. She takes it back, “I’ll just add 20% tip then?” He shakes head and won't accept machine back. She turns for help to sober assistant/friend. Ice leans in and talks to sober assistant/friend who is now dealing with waitress. After their exchange is done she asks, “Soooo who’s going to pay?” Assistant/friend replies, “He wants to know how much you cost.” Waitress gets pissed and walks away.
She takes 5 and then comes back again. She operates the card reader. Ice motions for her to lean closer like he has something to say. She leans, he reaches in her dress, feels right breast and apparently emboldened, and sober assistant/friend reaches for her legs and rubs her crotch. This is just a bar mind you, not a sex party.
Waitress gets pissed and storms off. She tells boss and leaves work. She later describes the men’s spending on alcohol ($25 000 upstairs and $2 000 downstairs), as obscene and their behaviour as, "pigs".
Keep in mind Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne grew up in Canada. And now Ferrari employees bring this disrepute to both Ferrari and the sport of F1 in Canada. I read that after Mr. Marchionne passed away, Ferrari considered NOT demoting Kimi Raikkonen. Li sputo for disrespecting our citizens and customs.