With 9 races canceled or postponed and no racing for the foreseeable future, Kimi Raikkonen recently revealed what he was up to during the extended shutdown. The Iceman also opened up on how he was coping with the Coronavirus crisis and its effect on Formula 1.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
How is Kimi Raikkonen handling the shutdown?
Even before F1 announced its official decision to scrap the Australian Grand Prix, Raikkonen was already on a plane heading back home. Formula 1’s handling of the crisis down under was embarrassing, to say the least. The lack of planning, preparation, clarity and delayed response contributed to absolute chaos during the Australian Grand Prix.
Many drivers voiced their concerns about holding a race in the first place. However, after one of the McLaren staff tested positive, several drivers and teams decided to pull out altogether.
This is the fifth month of F1’s unofficial offseason which seems never-ending. Kimi Raikkonen is a driver who stays far away from the limelight and it was pleasantly surprising to see the Iceman give an update. Raikkonen revealed that his kids were partly responsible for taking up most of his time during the day.
Speaking to Auto Hebdo, Kimi said:
“I don’t watch the news too much, I don’t read the newspapers too much either, but I check the news on my phone during the day to keep myself informed of the spread of the Coronavirus. I’m not obsessed with it if that’s what you’re thinking about.
“the children monopolize me. It’s a full-time job. In the evening, I watch the TV. It is terrifying enough that everything is going on and no one wants to catch this virus, but the worst thing would be to be overcome by panic. We must do what we are told: stay at home”
Raikkonen also gave his thoughts on whether the Coronavirus was a rude wake-up call for Formula 1.
“The awakening is brutal for everyone, not just for F1!
“I hope that something positive will eventually emerge from all this,”
“but for the moment we can only endure and protect ourselves”
F1 could announce the cancellation of a few more races in the coming weeks. The ongoing epidemic may force the sport to postpone the French and Belgian Grands Prix.
