Kimi Raikkonen says the greater focus on racing is allowing him to settle in well at Alfa Romeo Racing.
Rather than hang up his helmet after being replaced by Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, the 2007 Formula 1 champion will go back to where his career began 18 years ago at the former Sauber team that has been rebranded for this year.
After making his first appearance in white at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Raikkonen began preparations for 2019 at the Hinwil factory on Wednesday with a media day and was asked if he felt more relaxed in his new surroundings.
“I don’t think so, I do not know,” he replied to Motorsport.com‘s Italian edition.
“Each team has its commitments, its deadlines. Some teams have more things to do, others less. In some, there is more politics, in others less or even zero.
“Everyone tries to achieve the same result, but the ways of getting there are not the same, sometimes the paths are different.
“Here the atmosphere is certainly more relaxed, it’s all focused on the racing’aspects and less on politics. I think it’s easier for everyone.”
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Even though the expectations may be less than at Ferrari, arguably the role Raikkonen has at Alfa Romeo is more important as the experienced hand tasked with helping push the team forward alongside the youngster, in this case, Antonio Giovinazzi.
In typical Kimi fashion, however, he played down the significance of it all.
“In the team, many have key roles, there is not a single person who has a superior role,” he stated.
“There are so many crucial figures, very important. I’m the most experienced driver, it’s true, but both of us will be asked to give our team the best.”
Raikkonen did, however, speak highly of team boss Fred Vasseur, the man many are crediting for the improvements within the Swiss outfit.
“Obviously I knew how well his team did in F2, GP2 and GP3,” he noted, referring to the Frenchman’s association with the ART Grand Prix squad.
“But personally I did not know him until I arrived in Alfa Romeo, and I must say that he seems to be a very ‘racing’ person, focused on what it takes to get on track and do well.”