Jacques Villeneuve states 2018 could be Kimi Raikkonen’s year. Villeneuve says it is crucial for Kimi to get a good early start in 2018.

1997 Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that 2018 has the potential to be Kimi Raikkonen‘s year in Formula 1. The Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver has not always had an easy time at the Maranello team since joining them back in 2014, however he showed an upturn in pace at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend. On Saturday, Kimi Raikkonen managed to get the better of four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel, and lined up on the front row of the grid. However, due to an unfortunate timing of the virtual safety car, Kimi dropped from second and into third, with Sebastian Vettel going on to win the race.

And Jacques Villeneuve thinks that this could be the Iceman’s year back at top in Formula 1: “He has become a great personality,” Jacques Villeneuve said, as reported by Iltalehti newspaper – “He doesn’t care about anyone and just lives his own life. Kimi is getting stronger every year. Even here. He was fast from Friday practice and more comfortable than Sebastian. That means the car works for him. This could be his year,” added the Canadian.

However, given the political situation at Scuderia Ferrari, Jacques Villeneuve says it is crucial for Kimi Raikkonen to get a good early start in 2018: “He has to take his first win right at the start of the season, otherwise the energy will tilt towards Sebastian,” he concluded.