Comments on: Raikkonen drops out of F1: A fan’s view

By: Silverstoned

Silverstoned — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:02:33 +0000

James, many of us would really value your opinion about what is actual fact and what may be myth with the view expressed here.
Do you think a post on this could be on the cards?

By: James Allen

James Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:50:14 +0000

That would be a challenge!

By: Fuchsia

Fuchsia — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:46:27 +0000

F1 would never be the same without him. IMO no driver could quite compare with Kimi in terms of bravery. How many of drivers have gone through eau rouge in a fog of smoke or continued to drive while on fire?

It is disappointing to see him leaving F1 while less capable drivers are still racing.

By: peter

peter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:26:15 +0000

OK, than Massa just slipped and handed Lewis the title in 2008.

By: Hans joergen Stroem

Hans joergen Stroem — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:19:22 +0000

after having read alot on different F1 homepages about Kimi taking a sabbatical year away from F1, I just sat in my sofa staring out of the window and let the emotions work on this matter for a few minutes. and I felt like, maybe 2010 will be the year I take a “sabbatical” too when it comes to follow F1 live on satellite TV. I have done it ever since I bought the first satellite TV dish and receiver back in 1991. there are not many races I did not sat in front of the telly watching the live broadcast.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:18:42 +0000

Cheers for this reply James.

You know us well. I still go to Wimbledon and shout ‘Come on Tim’. I wear a Ronnie Petersen shirt to F1 races, so I guess I can still support Kimbo after he’s gone from F1.

P.S. Why should he care about his fans? We don’t support him because he gives us time to sign autographs but because of the way he approaches the sport. Generally, the less someone cares about the fans and the media and perceptions of them, the more human and likeable I find them.

By: carlm21

carlm21 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:18:13 +0000

It’s a sad day for formula 1. Reminds me of the day Michael Scdhumacher announced his retirement at Monza in 2006. Kimi is simply the best driver in the world and his talent will probably lead him to challenge for a world championship in rallying.

James, you will have to write a book on the man- it would no doubt be a best seller.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:14:17 +0000

Totally agree. Senna’s mentality turned me right off. That said, Prost wasn’t my guy either. I wasn’t a huge F1 driver fan in the late 80s.

It’s all about the 70s and Ronnie Petersen. Legend.

By: Seye AA

Seye AA — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:48:11 +0000

read this and pls don’t write off 1 of the best 3 drivers.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80215

By: Pierre

Pierre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:40:51 +0000

James,
Your thoughts about the Autosport news saying Kimi willing to consider a Mercedes drive?

As I posted yesterday before McLaren announced Button, I can’t see MercedesGP beeing able to fight for both championships next year with Rosberg-Heidfeld facing Alonso-Massa, Hamilton-Button, and even Red Bull. They must know that, it is impossible. Or they are crazy or too optimistic.

Mercedes did not buy Brawn (and so placed its brand in the front instead of beeing just an engine supplier behind McLaren) just to “play the game”, but as every constructor, to win, because it is part of a marketing worldwide strategy, it is part of the image brand of the company.

They therefore need a “top” driver, experienced, a winner. They do not only need consistency which Rosberg and Heidfeld can provide. I rate Heidfeld higher than he’s always looked, but not that high. Rosberg is still very young and I do not believe is the same caliber as Hamilton/Alonso/Raikkonen/Vettel. Just known one team, one car. Neither Heidfeld nor Rosberg already won a race.

They also need a top gun because it is now sure they’ll have two new drivers in the seats which is not the best situation even if no doubt Brawn’s car will fight for wins.

The more experienced drivers they get, the fastest ones they get, the more they have opportunities to win titles.

Rosberg-Raikkonnen makes sens. Rosberg-Heidfeld does not.