F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel hails uncomplicated Raikkonen as 'best team mate ever'

Sebastian Vettel believes Kimi Raikkonen's dismissive and uncomplicated nature makes him the best team mate the German driver has ever had in his F1 career.

For some in F1, Raikkonen is as uncommunicative as they come. But the Finn's simple and straightforward persona also reflects his complete disinterest in playing any games.

And when it comes to co-existing with a team mate, Vettel values the Iceman's uncomplicated approach to racing.

"Obviously it makes it a lot easier if you have somebody who you are working with that you feel the respect," the German told Motorsport.com.

"You know, many times people tend to make things much more complicated than they are, especially in Formula 1, so it’s good if you can work with somebody where there are no politics or no confusions or anything.

"In this regard, Kimi is probably the best teammate that I had. He is pretty straightforward, but I also got along well with Daniel [Ricciardo]."

Vettel's relationship with Mark Webber however, during their years together at Red Bull Racing, was at times a complicated affair.

"With Mark, obviously at times we had our differences," Vettel admits.

"Also I have to say we were different generations, so we probably from the start were not that close. But that is how it is."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

7 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

8 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

10 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

11 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

12 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

14 hours ago