Raikkonen still the same driver he was 10 years ago

40

It's been over a decade since Kimi Raikkonen's banner championship year, but the Finn believes he's driving now just as good as he was in 2007.

Raikkonen is a senior citizen on Formula 1's grid, with nineteen years separating the 38-year-old Ferrari driver from Grand Prix racing's youngest charger, Williams' Lance Stroll.

While we're counting the years, it's been five long ones since the Finn's last F1 win, achieved in Melbourne in 2013 with Lotus.

Podiums on the other hand have been abundant this season for Kimi, with 8 top-ten finishes delivered in 13 races, an achievement that underlines his consistency.

"I don’t feel like I drive any differently than 10 years ago," insists Raikkonen.

"I think I drive pretty well in my own books at least. That’s enough for me. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could drive as well as I feel I should.

"That’s my tool to measure, and decide when it’s enough. Who knows? Maybe I’ll wake up one morning and I don’t know how to go fast anymore."

Arrivabene: 'Everyone wants it - and you know what I mean'

One day, the passion and energy will indeed subside, but the Iceman won't commit to putting a date on the day he closes the curtain on F1.

"I don’t think there is a time, it’s more feelings, how do you feel yourself doing - good or bad. People say the speed would disappear but to this day, I don’t feel it has disappeared for me," he adds.

“Like I say, maybe I wake up one morning and it’s not there anymore. It could be like that. But I don’t think you put a date on it - it’s more if you have it, if not, that’s it."

Raikkonen's future with Ferrari is the subject of much speculation, with rumors of an imminent new deal with the Scuderia. But when will we learn more,

"I don’t know. Obviously at some point, that’s for sure," he said.

"But you probably can’t expect anything here, that’s what I’ve learned in the past. We’ll see. I don’t know."

"You need to talk to the team. It’s not up to me. It’s not my decision in the end."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.