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“A Bit Different” – Kimi Raikkonen Reveals NASCAR Edges Over F1 in This One Crucial Aspect

Published 08/21/2022, 1:44 PM EDT

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Since the 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen stepped foot at Watkins Glen, he has been swamped by the media. During the NASCAR media conference, a lot of journalists had questions for Raikkonen. And during one such question, Raikkonen revealed how NASCAR edged ahead of F1 in terms of culture and environment.

During the media conference a journalist asked, “Kimi, a lot of the drivers recently have voiced their excitement of racing and meeting you. are there any drivers in NASCAR that you feel the same about, either meeting or racing?”

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Raikkonen responded, “I think, generally, it’s just nice to race whoever it’s going to be. It’s always exciting when you race against people that you haven’t raced against before. They’re very professional. The rules are slightly different than what I’m used to, but I’m happy to be here and meet the guys. I remember from the last time; they’re very relaxed, easy-going and it’s easy to talk to other drivers. It’s a bit different than what I’m used to from where I come from.”

Raikkonen has been enjoying himself at NASCAR, especially with the new generation of cars. Having prior experience racing in the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series, he seems to be comfortable with the car as well.

Kimi Raikkonen qualifies in 27th place for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen

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Kimi Raikkonen’s presence has certainly been the biggest talking point at Watkins Glen this weekend and now he’s finished his qualifying with a decent 27th-place finish.

via Getty

As Chase Elliott clinched the pole position, Raikkonen took part in his first-ever qualifying in the NASCAR Cup Series, and for a driver used to the open-wheel format of racing, he did pretty well by coming in at 27th place. However, Raikkonen isn’t the only foreign personality to be racing in this round of the Cup Series. Former Formula One driver, Danil Kyvat will be returning for his second race this year.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Reveals Biggest Concern With F1 Legend Kimi Raikkonen’s NASCAR Cameo: “I Hope I Don’t Junk His A**”

Other than the two former F1 drivers, we will also get to see NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Loris Hezemans, Spire Motorsports driver Mike Rockenfeller, and 2021 Asian Le Mans Series Champion Kyle Tilley.

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Written by:

Srijan Mandal

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Srijan Mandal is a NASCAR author at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Journalism and has been writing for his own blog, 'Noobs Onboard', for a while now, covering NASCAR, F1, W Series, MotoGP, WRC and the WEC. Following motorsports for more than a decade now, he has become a devout supporter of McLaren Racing, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna.
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Edited by:

Jito Tenson