F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Raikkonen: Sim racing not the reason I chose this profession

Kimi Raikkonen says he has no interest in joining virtual world of racing, the Alfa Romeo driver preferring to bide his time until the real thing returns.

With each passing week, the world of Esports see another high profile F1 name join the fray online. On Sunday, McLaren's Carlos Sainz made his debut in F1's Virtual Grand Prix series.

But don't count on Raikkonen - who preferred to spend as little time as possible in Ferrari's simulator when he was racing with the Scuderia - to jump the sim racing bandwagon anytime soon.

"It's not that I didn't like it, but let's just say that flying to Italy to put myself in a simulator was not exactly the reason why I chose this job," the Finn told Corriere della Sera.

"Running on the track is another thing. And anyway those simulators are completely different and extremely more complex than those of online racing.

"I'm not really interested and prefer to wait until I can get back to a real track."

It could still be a long wait for the 40-year-old and his colleagues. But Raikkonen is confident Formula 1 and its governing body will only give the green light when the coast is clear.

"The Formula 1 organization and the FIA will make a decision to resume the season when it's safe again," he added.

"That decision is not ours, but I am confident they will make a careful decision."

In the interim, Raikkonen equates the hiatus to very long winter break.

"We normally return to Barcelona for the tests. Now we will go directly to the first race, I do not foresee any problems," he said. "I am very motivated, I want to race again."

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

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago