The 2008 Drivers Preview
A late collapse by Lewis Hamilton helped Kimi Raikkonen sneak in and claim last year's championship in his first season with Ferrari. But can McLaren's wunderkind bounce back this year, or is there someone else who can topple the Finn? Matt Beer looks at the contenders
Winning the title in his first season in Ferrari colours was the ideal way for Raikkonen to answer those who wondered if he adequately could fill the team's Michael Schumacher-shaped void. It was achieved in style, too - not since James Hunt in 1976 had a champion recovered from such a large points deficit.
He will never have his predecessor's work ethic or ability to invigorate a team, and he remains prone to invisibility when the car is not to his taste, but at his best Raikkonen is a ruthlessly efficient winning machine. With Ferrari looking ominously strong in winter testing, he starts 2008 as favourite.
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