Raikkonen: Alfa troubles 'quite clear' even before season started

Kimi Raikkonen says the problems that dogged Alfa Romeo's 2020 season were already "quite clear" after winter testing.

Alfa Romeo finished eight in this year's Constructors' standings, scoring just 8 points split between Raikkonen and teammate Antonio Giovinazzi.

The Finn's best results were a pair of P9 finishes at Mugello and Imola, a lackluster track record that attests to a difficult season for the Hinwil squad.

But for the Iceman, the writing was on the wall as early as pre-season testing in Barcelona.

"For sure it’s not what we expected before the season started or wanted," Raikkonen said.

"I think it became quite clear after testing that we were not where we wanted to be but there’s obviously many reasons why we’re not that fast as we were, but, from that side, it’s obviously disappointing.

"I think last year [in 2019] we did, let’s say, a pretty decent job even if later in the year we were definitively not where we wanted to be.

"Obviously hopes were higher but quite soon obvious for all of us that we weren’t going to be where we liked to be."

• Read also: F1i Team Report Card for 2020: Alfa Romeo

Next season, Formula 1's regulations mandate that teams carry over their basic chassis from 2020, a decision that limits scope for development.

However, Raikkonen believes Alfa Romeo can make some headway on the development front while a brand new Ferrari power unit will also provide hope for performance improvements.

"A lot of work has to be done for next year, so that we are in a better position," reckons Raikkonen.

"We just have to work and try to do a better job next year, but that’s how it goes, some years are more tricky for many reasons and, obviously, in this sport the car makes a huge difference.

"Good or bad, I think every year you have disappointing results, good results and some results in the middle. It’s the name of the game."

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