Subscribe

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

Raikkonen: We were Not Fast Enough

Kimi Raikkonen said that his McLaren was simply not fast enough in the Chinese Grand Prix as his team were forced to see rivals Renault clinch the Constructors' World Championship

With teammate Juan Pablo Montoya being sidelined by accident damage after he hit a drain, Raikkonen could only manage second place behind World Champion Fernando Alonso.

"The car was not quick enough and was difficult to drive," said the Finn. "In the end it got quicker and quicker and was perfect, but unfortunately it came 40 laps too late.

"I did my best but it was not enough today. Renault were too quick and all compliments to them. Next year, we will try again."

Raikkonen said that he knew towards the end of the race that he would have no chance of closing down on Alonso's advantage, when he could make little impact on the cars in front of him that had not stopped during the second Safety Car period.

"After the last Safety Car the car was developing much better and getting much quicker - and they (the cars ahead) were pulling away but they were lighter so I was not worried.

"But I was disappointed to know that I could not do any more - it was too late. That is racing, it could have been worse, so it will be nice to go on holiday now and have some fun."

Raikkonen added that he believed luck was simply not with his team in China - especially with the way Montoya was sidelined by the drain incident.

"I saw it (the drain cover) a little bit out of place and the next lap it was sticking up," he said. "Juan ran a bit wider and hit it, but in the end I don't think it made any difference in the championship. We pushed, but today was not our day."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Briatore Welcomes 'Extraordinary' Result
Next article Massa Gets a Sauber after Sixth Place

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

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