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Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen at the circuit REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen at the circuit REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The hybrid era is indeed one of the most hated phases in the history of Formula One, with the fans often showing resentment towards the level of complications that the F1 cars of today possess. Consequently, comparisons have happened; many have opined that the 2000 era was one of the best and that the subsequent 2010 era managed to spoil the party. But, Kimi Raikkonen has an entirely contrasting opinion.
The Finn, who recently retired from F1, admitted that the present cars are much nicer to drive compared to the ones he drove in the 2000s.
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What did Kimi Raikkonen say?
Speaking to The Race, Raikkonen revealed that he wouldn’t enjoy driving the cars made during the 2000s. The one-time world champion opined that if he manages to get his hands on the 2005 McLaren tomorrow, the experience would be horrible as the car will feel like a “ s***box.”
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SINGAPORE – SEPTEMBER 13: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari looks on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 13, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
“We always talk about that mid-2000s as so crazy and good times,” he said. “But if I drive the 2005 McLaren tomorrow compared to this car, I would probably think what a s***box the 2005 is!
“The mind still thinks it’s the greatest thing, but I’m pretty sure today’s cars are much nicer to drive. Yes, they feel different because the old ones were much smaller.”
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Raikkonen happy to be a part of the 2000 & 2010 era
Despite acknowledging that the F1 cars in the 1960s would have felt amazing to drive, Raikkonen has no regrets about spending his career in the 2000s and the 2010s.
“It would have been nice in the 1960s or something. It would be different, the whole world was different. But I’m happy with where I was and I wouldn’t change it either way. I’m happy I started when I did and not these days. I’ve seen a lot of difference in that time,” Raikkonen concluded.
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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – Kimi Raikkonen speaks on stage at the Richard Mille – RM 50-04 Kimi Raikkonen in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images for Richard Mille)
This could well be one of the reasons why Raikkonen chose to race in Formula One until the end of 2021. After having spent most of his career driving the so-called “sh*tbox” cars, Raikkonen must’ve considered the birth of the hybrid era a blessing.
But, do you think the hybrid era is much better compared to the 2000 era?
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