Formula 1 News

Kimi Raikkonen defends Hamilton’s Bahrain errors 

2007 F1 World Champion and 2008 championship temporary leader Kimi Raikkonen has justified Lewis Hamilton’s bad start this season, especially his errors during the Bahraini Grand Prix, by blaming McLaren-Mercedes. “Lewis did not make many mistakes last year. This year, they are not in as strong a position with the car,” said the Finn. “Maybe it makes it more difficult when you do not have such a good package and you try to push more and more, especially during a race when your weekend has not been as good,” he added.

Raikkonen said also that he is satisfied with how things have gone so far: “After three races, I am leading the championship and after three races last year I wasn’t. So, I am very happy.”

“I was in a new team and you had to expect a learning curve. The first year was difficult as it takes time to get used to people. Last year was tough for me. It is now much easier as they know what I want and I know what they want. Everything is very smooth and everything is improving.”