Kimi Raikkonen Shares A Unique Record with F1 Legend Alberto Ascari

When it comes to fastest laps, Kimi Raikkonen has proven himself to be one of the quickest out on track. Back in his Ferrari days, Kimi Raikkonen was notorious for setting fastest laps. To that end, the Finnish veteran owns an interesting record alongside Alberto Ascari.

Both drivers have the record for the most consecutive fastest laps in a single season with 6 each. Officially speaking, Ascari had 7 consecutive fastest laps, but his 7th one was at the opening race of the following season.

Kimi Raikkonen’s streak kicked off at the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix, and went on to include Turkey, Monaco, Canada, France and Britain. Interestingly, he went on to win just one of those races, which was in Barcelona itself and it was the second of two wins that year.

The veteran Finn also finished the year in third place, tied on points with Robert Kubica, but was ahead because he had one win more. Raikkonen proved in the previous year that he was a force to be reckoned with, when he plucked the world championship from under the noses of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Another fact is that Raikkonen is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most fastest laps in a season, with 10 each. The Finn actually achieved this feat twice, in 2005 and again in 2008. Out of the current F1 drivers, he is two ahead of Lewis Hamilton and former teammate Sebastian Vettel is one behind Hamilton as well.

The 40-year old will be continuing with Alfa Romeo for another season in 2020, alongside Italian youngster Antonio Giovinazzi. Admittedly, it can be said that Raikkonen is simply driving for the rake of gathering data and helping the team develop as a whole. With fellow old guard, Robert Kubica also joining as the reserve driver, Giovinazzi will have the chance to learn from two of the most experienced drivers.