F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Kimi: ‘No guarantee’ Ferrari can repeat Singapore win

Kimi Raikkonen says having won last year’s Singapore Grand Prix “does not give Ferrari any guarantee” that it will be able to replicate its Marina Bay success 12 months on.

The Scuderia dominated the previous edition of the F1 night race, with Sebastian Vettel winning from pole position and Raikkonen coming home in third.

With Ferrari yet to taste victory since then, the Finn was asked whether this weekend’s race provided the team with the best chance to end its current drought.

“It’s the same story as any other race,” Raikkonen replied. “We have to see how it goes [in free practice]. Yes, it’s true we were good here last year but that doesn’t give us any guarantee that it’s going to be the same story this year.

“We hope it is but time will tell. We’ll start it as any other race weekend – we do our program and on Friday we get some ideas of where we are.”

Despite a challenging 2016 campaign for the Maranello-based outfit so far, Raikkonen, who will continue to partner Vettel at Ferrari next year, insists the team has not stood still performance wise.

“Obviously we want to win, we want to fight for wins, be up there and give ourselves, every weekend, very good chances of victory. That hasn’t happened this year, unfortunately.

“We are better than last year but obviously the others have improved more. I’m sure we are doing the right things, we have great people and a good atmosphere, but the speed is missing a bit.”

Team principal Maurizio Arrivabene recently said he was confident Ferrari could win on merit this year.

Romain Grosjean column: Drivers have a certain shelf like

Chris Medland's 2016 Singapore Grand Prix preview

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Red Bull RB12

2017 F1 driver line-ups so far

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

Julien Billiotte

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…

13 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…

14 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…

16 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…

18 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…

19 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…

20 hours ago