Raikkonen living 'normal family life' in confinement

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Kimi Raikkonen says his family and himself are living a fairly normal life in confinement, the Alfa Romeo driver claiming not to be obsessed with the current coronavirus crisis.

Raikkonen elected to head north to Finland at the onslaught of the pandemic, his family in tow, to seclude himself, wife Minttu and children Robin and Rianna while the health hazard unfolds.

French website Auto-Hebdo checked in with the 2007 F1 world champion to gauge the family's life in isolation.

"Honestly, the confinement is going well considering the circumstances," Raikkonen explained.

"We're lucky to have this house which has a big garden. Besides the fact that we're staying home, it's a normal family life."

Raikkonen says 'family more important than racing'

While a few adjustments were obviously necessary, daily routines within the Raikkonen household haven't changed much.

"For now, we're living as we always have," he added. "We're doing things that we've always done.

"Perhaps we would have seen more friends without the pandemic, otherwise there's not much difference."

And the added bonus for Robin and Rianna is that they finally get to spend all the time they wish with their famous father.

"We're lucky to have this large outside space where they can get some fresh air and play. We play a lot of games together and they are happy to have their dad around more than usual."

As far as the pandemic's ever evolving situation is concerned, the 40-year-old is attentive to what's going in the outside world but not riveted to the news.

"I do not watch the news or read the papers very much," he said. "just look at my phone once in a while for the latest information on the virus. I'm certainly not obsessed with the situation.

"And even if I wanted to watch the news or read the papers, the kids take up most of my time. It's a full-time job. I watch a bit of TV in the evening.

"What is happening is pretty terrifying and nobody wants to get infected, but the worse thing would be for us to panic. We must do what we are told: stay at home!."

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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.