Making accurate predictions about Kimi Räikkönen’s Formula 1 comeback is close to impossible before it actually happens. That is the opinion of current double World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who raced against the Finn between 2007 and 2009.
Vettel’s words came on Tuesday as the Red Bull driver visited the Viry-Châtillon headquarters of engine supplier Renault Sport, which is celebrating double title-winning success for the second consecutive F1 campaign.
“It is difficult to judge,” Vettel told news agency AFP when asked about Räikkönen’s move to Lotus Renault GP. “We look at all the comeback of Michael (Schumacher, with Mercedes GP in 2010). He left when he was at the top but, when returning, told himself much had changed and that he had to adapt.
“Even if I look at the car I drove two years ago, so many things have changed - it's amazing. Even during a season, new buttons appear on your steering wheel. I can imagine it’s difficult to return straight to the same level you were on before.”
Vettel believes that the criticism Räikkönen often receives is not warranted.
“He is quiet most of the time,” the German continued. “Sometimes we are criticised for not being interesting enough and that F1 lacks strong characters; that isn’t the media’s fault, nor it is the drivers’ faults. Kimi is criticised for not speaking enough or because of the way he behaves off-track. Sometimes his attitude is perhaps not fantastic, I agree, but on the other hand it simply reflects who he is.”
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