Italian sports TV channel Rai Sport interviewed Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen at the 2017 Austrian Grand Prix, which took place last weekend:
Q: What about you and Seb? Is it possible to be friends with your teammate?
Kimi Raikkonen: Yeah, I think so. I mean, we know each other for a long time. We have a good relationship. Now we are in the same team, and we are teammates. For us it’s perfect and for the engigneers it is easier.
Q: How is your relationship with President Marchionne?
Kimi: For how I know him, he is very straightforward with me. He is the President and everybody tries to do their best.
Q: Your opinion about Hamilton.
Kimi: As a person I don’t know him very well. But he is a very good driver, he won much. He is one of the guys we try to beat.
Q: Is Bottas always clean on track?
Kimi: Obviously there are a lot of talks because there have been some issues between us, unfortunately twice this year and it wasn’t ideal for me, but those things can happen in a race. I think he is a clean driver.
Q: When was the last time you were really happy in your Fl career?
Kimi: Mwoah, I’m happy, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Obviously I’m happier when I win races. But if I wasn’t happy, I wouldn’t be here, because you have to enjoy.
Q: You hope to stay at Ferrari in 2018?
Kimi: Yeah, obviously yes. But it’s something that doesn’t depend only on me. Every year people talk about my contract. It’s a decision of Marchionne and Ferrari.
Q: How has your life changed since you became father?
Kimi: I think there have been more changes with the first one. With two it’s more or less the same thing but it’s always a big thing. I travel a lot and I can’t always bring them with me, you know, it’s like bringing a little team. But it’s great to go home and have a family that makes you smile.
Q: If your son asks you to become an Formula 1 driver?
Kimi: What I wish is that they [Robin and Rianna] will be able to do whatever they like, racing, football or something else. They will be free to decide, what’s important is that they have fun. Obviously I would give him the possibility to try to become a driver.
Q: What about team radios? Is it really necessary to communicate with the guys at the pit wall?
Kimi: As little as possible, no, because there are many people talking on the radio. I don’t speak much. What is important it to use it when it’s necessary, for example when there is a issue, otherwise better silence.
Q: Three words to describe your 2017 season until now.
Kimi: Far from perfect. 3 words I think (laughs).
Q: Your opinion on the SF7OH
Kimi: It’s a good car for sure. Strong in every condition and everywhere. We have the chance to fight for the title and to stay ahead.
Q: If Ricciardo asked you to drink from his shoe, what would you do?
Kimi: No, No, no, no. I would never drink from his shoe. I would say ‘no thanks’.
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