Kimi Raikkonen full interview for Life and Style Magazine
How’s the day going?
Kimi: Good. It’s not the funniest day I’ve ever had, but it’s okay.
What would you rather be doing?
Kimi: Other than racing? Being at home with my kids.
I can imagine. Well, if it’s ok with you, let’s just talk a little Formula 1 then.
[Nods.]
After 18 years as a driver, I imagine the way you face both the good times and the bad has changed.
Kimi: I don’t think so. I’d say it’s always been the same for me. You have to accept that in this sport there will be good days and bad days. Although it’s disappointing when something goes wrong, you have to get rid of that feeling quickly to concentrate on what follows. That’s why I don’t worry too much about the bad times, I don’t overthink it when I get home.
What is your main concern at this time of year?
Kimi: Nothing at all. Obviously last weekend was difficult for us, we lost a bit of speed, but now we have the opportunity to test the car and try to learn from what happened. So concerns, no. What you want is to improve and do things a little better, of course, but even about that, the truth is that I feel relatively confident, although improving has been quite complicated in the last two races [Azerbaijan and Spain].
What’s your first car-related memory?
Kimi: I guess from when I was very young; my mother and father had cars, of course. I learned to drive when I was only nine, at home. My father used to let me drive from time to time when we went through our land, we used to use old cars. It was him who gradually taught me how to control the car, especially during summers.
When did you know you liked speed?
Kimi: Maybe in a go-kart, when I started racing with them between the ages of seven and eight. I had done motocross before but I think it was at that age, with the go-karts, that I knew I liked it.
Is there anything you do every day no matter where you are?
Kimi: Sleep [laughs]. Although I can’t always do it as much as I’d like. On race weekends I always follow the same schedule. So I always do a little bit of the same, no matter what country I’m in. My days are very similar.
Do you believe in good luck rituals?
Kimi: No. In fact, I don’t think good or bad luck exists. I believe in doing things right. Especially in the racing world, where the things that happen don’t have much to do with luck, but with work.
I read that you like snowboarding…
Kimi: Yes, I loved it, although I haven’t practiced it in years. Now my knees would hurt and you know, it’s not the same to do it when I’m young as when I’m almost 40. It’s risky. If I have free time I prefer to do motocross. I even stopped skiing a couple of years ago.
Do you like the mountains then? Or has it always been about speed?
Kimi: No, in Finland we don’t have high mountains, what I’ve always liked about those sports is the speed.
Do you care about fashion?
Kimi: Not at all. My wife is the one who’s interested. I’m one of those who wear the first thing they grab. I care about comfort. One of the things I like about race weekends is that it’s very easy to choose what to wear [smiles]. The uniform is always the same.
Is it possible to enjoy a Grand Prix and not actually win?
Kimi: Yes, I mean, if you like this sport. Obviously part of the challenge is to do well and a good weekend is more enjoyable than a bad one, it’s more fun. But it’s not always possible to win and if you’re going to do this you have to know. I enjoy driving above all else.
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