Kimi Raikkonen is targeting his first points since Hungary at this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix.
After his consistently strong first half to 2019, the ‘Iceman’ has gone off the boil slightly and has struggled to match teammate Antonio Giovinazzi since the summer break.
A few days after turning 40, however, the 2007 world champion isn’t phased by those struggles and expects to be more competitive at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
“Mexico gives us a chance to get back in the points,” Raikkonen stated in Alfa Romeo’s team preview.
“It doesn’t really matter what we did in the past few races, our focus is on the next events and we need to make sure we go out and do our job well.
“If we do that, we will be in the battle for the points, this is what matters.
“We know the final four races are very important and we will continue to give 100 per cent to finish the season well.”
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As for Giovinazzi, he has more pressure on his shoulders with still no confirmation that he’ll be staying for 2020, though Alfa chief Fred Vasseur has hinted the Italian is likely to be retained.
Even so, he admits strong performances at the upcoming double-header in the Americas is a must.
“The next two races will be a crucial moment for us,” he commented.
“Back-to-backs are always an opportunity to build momentum so it will be important to do well in Mexico and carry on to Austin.
“I have never raced in Mexico City but I had two practice sessions there and I quite like the track.
“The layout, with its long straights, reminds me of Monza, but the conditions will be very different due to the altitude. Hopefully, our car will suit the circuit well and we will be in the fight for points.”