Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

MotoGP British GP: Bezzecchi leads Aprilia domination in Friday practice

MotoGP
British GP
MotoGP British GP: Bezzecchi leads Aprilia domination in Friday practice

FIA wants F1 cars to lose another 80kg under next rules overhaul

Formula 1
FIA wants F1 cars to lose another 80kg under next rules overhaul

KTM allowed to fix faulty MotoGP engine after U-turn from rivals

MotoGP
British GP
KTM allowed to fix faulty MotoGP engine after U-turn from rivals

How a Le Mans winner is changing the game for female racing in Japan

Feature
Super Formula
Sugo
How a Le Mans winner is changing the game for female racing in Japan

How the revised WEC 2026 calendar impacts title fight

WEC
How the revised WEC 2026 calendar impacts title fight

How F1 learned to grow without growing

Feature
Formula 1
How F1 learned to grow without growing

Clark, Senna, Antonelli – How the grand chelem age record has evolved

Formula 1
Clark, Senna, Antonelli – How the grand chelem age record has evolved

Why Aston Martin is a better destination on the F1 driver market than it seems

Feature
Formula 1
Why Aston Martin is a better destination on the F1 driver market than it seems

Kimi happy after first day at McLaren

McLaren newboy Kimi Raikkonen says his new team's bark is worse than its bite after the young Finn successfully completed his first day of running at Barcelona on Tuesday

Formula 1 hotshoe Raikkonen, who made his debut with Sauber last year, has the task of filling the shoes of double world champion Mika Hakkinen alongside David Coulthard at McLaren this year.

But despite the Woking-based team's super efficient exterior, Raikkonen was happy with his first day behind the wheel and says the atmosphere on the inside is good.

"I'm pretty pleased with how it went," said Raikkonen. "The car feels very nice. It's just a shame the circuit was a bit damp. The team has a very different way of working. They're more professional and I know a lot of people from outside say it looks a little cold, but from the inside there's a good atmosphere."

Raikkonen completed 34 laps in last year's MP4-16 and was the fastest of the runners not to have set a time in the dry, finishing sixth. Much is expected of the 22-year-old this year, but he insists that it is too early to make any predictions.

"It feels different, but itis quite easy to drive," said Raikkonen of the McLaren. "It's too early to say. It all depends on how these tests go and how the new car is. I just want to get used to driving it."

Previous article Burti Delighted to be Back at the Wheel
Next article Raikkonen Enjoys First Outing with McLaren

Top Comments