Kimi Raikkonen has revealed his desire to have raced in Formula 1 during the 1960s, early 70s.
This weekend sees the sport reach 1000 world championship Grand Prix’s and to celebrate the drivers were asked about their memories.
While most only went back a few decades or so, the Alfa Romeo driver was a little different admitting the old days had more appeal.
“Obviously it was much more dangerous,” he admitted, “but that was normal at that time. For sure, that would be more fun, more relaxed.”
Raikkonen’s laid back approach does often get compared to the likes of James Hunt, a driver that was synonymous with 70s F1, and his fondness for a good night out would have also fitted in with the time.
Also on a weekend when several drivers are running special helmets to commemorate the 1000 milestone, the 39-year-old had a sarcastic reply to where his was.
“I wanted to have an open-face helmet but there were some regulation issues,” said the Finn.
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Now away from the pressure of Ferrari though, Raikkonen says he is enjoying racing much more again and next year is set to see him become the most experienced F1 driver ever, surpassing Rubens Barrichello’s 322 GP starts.
“I don’t have any special things that I try to motivate myself,” he said. “It’s become more of a hobby for me lately than anything else and probably that’s why it’s more fun again.
“I always try to do the best that I can. Some days it goes a bit better than others – but that’s how it goes when you do a lot of racing.
“When I feel that it’s not what I expect from myself, then obviously I try to find a new hobby after that.”