Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen were once the dynamic duo of Ferrari. On one hand, we had the robust Spaniard, and on the other, the cool personality of the Finn. While Raikkonen is famous for his steely demeanor, Alonso reveals it was never true.

In a recent episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast, Fernando Alonso reflected on his days alongside Raikkonen. In doing so, he contradicted the way Raikkonen is perceived. “He’s very honest. He’s not playing any game. He’s what you see. And a part of this mask that we see from him- being very cold and not talking too much and things like that; there is a different personal thing inside that we see from time to time.”

As marked on his arm, Raikkonen is well known as the Iceman. However, Alonso believes otherwise. “Not the Iceman. I think he is quite warm inside. You need to meet him and you need to see him outside racing as well- is when you see the real Kimi.”

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Although Kimi’s blunt responses and silences are defining traits, Alonso shares his experiences with a very different man than the common notion. As Raikkonen shuts the door in a quick two races, his persona is will be missed the most.

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Alonso doesn’t stop there with his memories of the Iceman. “we meet sometimes in the airports, outside the paddock, in restaurants, partying sometimes… after the races, he’s one of the guys you can talk, honestly on different topics.” 

Alonso also adds that Raikkonen is the best conversationalist. “He is straight into the point and his ideas and his thoughts about Formula 1; what is this world that we live here is like a bubble, not a real-life…”

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When asked he would miss his former teammate, Alonso agrees. Looking back on the glory days, Alonso said, “I’m happy to share so many years with Kimi. He’s a very good character in Formula 1. We will miss him a lot next year.’

What fans will miss is seeing the two champions share the track. With the American Grand Prix, they reminded fans of what it meant to have two legends battle it out on the track. Regardless, with only two races ago before Raikkonen hangs up his helmet, we have a lot to soak in.

Watch this story: From Drunk Gala to Dry Responses: Kimi Raikkonen’s Funniest Moments