Kimi Raikkonen would repeat Russian GP move on Valtteri Bottas
Kimi Raikkonen says he would repeat the last-lap lunge that put Valtteri Bottas out of the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix if presented with a similar opportunity in the future
The Ferrari driver hit Bottas's Williams while challenging for third place, after both had passed Force India's Sergio Perez as the Mexican's tyres faded.
Bottas was forced out of the race after sliding into the barriers while Raikkonen limped across the line in fifth before picking up a 30-second penalty from the stewards for the incident, which dropped him to eighth.
Russian GP: Raikkonen and Bottas at odds over clash
After the race, Raikkonen instead his move was not "stupid" and when asked for his opinion on the clash at Austin on Thursday he replied: "It hasn't changed.
"There were some discussions. I would still do it tomorrow again, that doesn't change the story.
"Unfortunately we came together, we both lost a bit but that's racing. I would still do the same thing next time."
When asked for his view, Bottas said his opinion remained "the same", having declared after the race that the clash was not a racing incident.
"I was disappointed to lose the points, but my feeling hasn't changed," said the Williams driver.
"I wouldn't do anything different. It's now history."
Raikkonen had successfully passed Bottas earlier in the race in what the Ferrari driver had suggested was a similar move, but Bottas saw it differently.
"From my point of view, the first one was quite different," said Bottas. "It was much more clear.
"For me as a driver, I'm not going to leave door open two times. It was a different kind of situation."
Raikkonen responded: "It doesn't change what I said.
"Once he decided [to close the door], I tried to brake and turn in as much as I can but there was no way to avoid it.
"What can you do? Once you go there, you are there. Maybe he didn't expect it, maybe he didn't see me.
"I tried to slow down and turn in but it was nothing special. It was an unfortunate thing and it is part of racing.
"We are here to race."
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