"The Most Naturally Talented Driver" Sebastian Vettel speaking to Kimi Raikkonen

---

In the latter stages of his illustrious career, Kimi Raikkonen's exceptional driving skills often found themselves overshadowed by his unique and enigmatic personality, which undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the Formula 1 community. Despite his unconventional approach and aloof demeanor, Raikkonen's prowess behind the wheel remained a testament to his undeniable talent and sheer determination. As the 2007 world champion with the iconic Ferrari team, Raikkonen solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsport.

Beyond the headlines and off-track antics, Raikkonen's commitment to his craft and natural ability to extract the maximum performance from his car set him apart as one of the most gifted drivers on the grid. His raw speed, fearless overtaking maneuvers, and unparalleled racecraft were qualities that not only earned him respect from his peers but also garnered admiration from fans worldwide. Even his former teammate Sebastian Vettel, a multiple world champion himself, acknowledged Raikkonen's exceptional talent and driving prowess, highlighting the Finn's innate ability to push the limits of what was thought possible in Formula 1.

Throughout his career, Raikkonen's on-track exploits and offbeat charm created a captivating juxtaposition that endeared him to fans and critics alike. As he bid farewell to the sport, Raikkonen left behind a legacy that transcended mere statistics, embodying the spirit of a true racing maverick whose impact on Formula 1 will be remembered for generations to come.

During an episode of the Pitlane Life Lessons podcast, Mark Arnall, who used to be Raikkonen's trainer, disclosed that Vettel regarded the Finn as "the most naturally talented driver".

'Whenever Ferrari would bring a new upgrade, they would first fit them into Raikkonen’s car because they knew he would give valuable feedback.

“They knew they’d get an ‘it’s sh*t get it off’ or ‘it’s okay, let’s work around it…Other drivers would say, ‘Okay the wind tunnel says it’s three-tenths quicker. We’ve gotta make it work’,” Arnall stated further.

Raikkonen showcased his exceptional talent in the early 2000s. Although he did not clinch the World title during his time with McLaren, he posed a significant challenge to legends such as Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher.

Known as the 'Iceman,' Raikkonen secured his first and only championship with Ferrari in 2007, marking their most recent victory in the drivers' category. Vettel, a close friend of Raikkonen, accompanied him during his final years at Ferrari before the Finn's transition to Sauber (now Alfa Romeo).

Raikkonen famously provided a humorous answer to the reporter's question about his motivation for competing in F1 during an episode of Netflix's Drive to Survive docuseries.

“It’s more like a hobby for me. So, obviously, I don’t need to do it if I don’t want.” Raikkonen, who had already reached legendary status in the sport, departed from F1 in 2021.