Kimi Raikkonen and Charles Leclerc had been the talk of the town for the last few weeks, with rumours about Kimi’s sacking right before Monza weekend having overtaken social media just after qualifying.
No concrete reports had emerged and thus there was a lot of anxiety amongst the F1 fraternity regarding the future of one of the most loved drivers on the circuit.
The official announcement did come and despite rumours of the new Ferrari management trying hard to keep Kimi for another season, the Finn was sacked and replaced by Leclerc(who will be driving for Ferrari from 2019).
Now, reports about Ferrari informing Kimi right before their home grand prix did disturb a few, and a lot of Ferrari fans wanted to listen to Kimi’s version of how the entire incident panned out and when was he informed about Ferrari’s decision.
In the driver’s press conference today, Raikkonen has revealed that Ferrari had indeed informed him about their decision during the Italian GP weekend and it was only then that he started talking to Sauber regarding a potential return.(as reported by Sky Sports).
Kimi says he found out at Monza he wouldn’t be driving for Ferrari in 2019 and that he then started talking to Sauber
📺 Sky Go: https://t.co/fxH131oxfk #SkyF1 #F1 # SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/DiEU229tru— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) September 13, 2018
Raikkonen says he knew at Monza he was out of Ferrari, and that’s when he started talks with Sauber #F1 #SingaporeGP
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) September 13, 2018
Kimi was at his best during the press conference, coming up with brilliant monosyllabic answers, one’s that were making Hamilton laugh uncontrollably.
He was also asked if he the move to Sauber would now mean him helping or maybe not helping Vettel in the title challenge this year.
To this, Kimi again had a very straightforward answer, saying that he could drive only one car.
“I can only drive one car obviously.”
Will you help Vettel to win the championship this year?
“I can only drive one car obviously.” #SkyF1 #F1 # SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/24vaFG1beF— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) September 13, 2018
The move to Sauber did come as a surprise to many F1 fans, as when news of a Ferrari dismissal came through, a lot of fans believed it was the end of Kimi in F1, as none of the team could really afford the services of Kimi.
There was also speculation about if Kimi would have wanted to drive for a much slower car.
But Kimi in his typical way responded with a ‘Why not’ when asked about why he chose Sauber for the next stage of his career.
Raikkonen on cracking form. Asked why he’s joining Sauber, deadpan answer: “Why not?” 😂 #F1 #SingaporeGP
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) September 13, 2018
Raikkonen then again had some fun with the journalists, when asked about his hunger to race in F1.
“So you’re passionate about racing still?”
Raikkonen: “I’m not actually, I’m just playing head games with you guys, deciding to sign for two years and not be happy”
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) September 13, 2018
What do you think about the whole Kimi to Sauber move and do you think he’ll help Vettel win the championship this year?
