The mathematical formula… Kimi Räikkönen
Entertainment
33 year-old Finnish racing driver Kimi Räikkönen was crowned World Formula 1™ champion in 2007. So much for the bare facts. But to find out what hides behind Kimi’s penetrating eyes, you need The Podiumist’s mathematical fomula.
35% stone-cold killer
Kimi Räikkönen could have been an actor. Or a hitman. But the Finn with the baby face and steely blue eyes chose to become a Formula 1™ driver. As Scandinavian tradition dictates, he is hardly the biggest talker in the paddock. As a very young starter in F1 and under enormous pressure, Räikkönen had to arm himself against criticism and jealousy, keeping a cool head and letting his racing do the talking. It is this mastery of emotions that lies behind his nickname “Iceman”. “Leave me alone! I know what I’m doing!” was how he let fly mid-race during the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when his staff attempted to give him advice over his on-board radio. A few laps later, Kimi snatched first place. A stone-cold killer.
“A stone-cold killer.”
58% Michael Jordan
The great American also knew everything there was to know about his sport. His debut in 2001 was dogged by doubt, only to be followed by a slew of victories. While his trophy cabinet may not be quite as full as that of His Majesty MJ, Kimi was runner-up all the same in 2003 and 2005, before acquiring the supreme title in 2007 in Scuderia. Then a certain weariness set in. He also took a long hard look at himself and announced the end of his career in order to explore other areas of life – in his case the world rally championship, with mixed results (twice finishing 10th overall). Neither was the Jordan who spent two seasons in the Chicago White Sox as magical as the Jordan of the Bulls years. Then, in 2012, Kimi, like the king of Chicago, returned to his first love with Lotus. Remember that Jordan also made a comeback in 1996 and immediately achieved a hat trick with the Bulls, picking up the NBA titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The bar was set high, but there was something else that KR shared with the basketball player: the thirst for victory. Who knows what’s next?
7% wimp
After a return season with Lotus in 2012, where he showed that he was still up there with the best of them (finishing inside the points 19 times in 20 races, 3rd place overall) Räikkönen was on the Red Bull short list, following Mark Webber’s announcement that he would be packing his bags the following year. Meanwhile his contract with Lotus is due to run out at the end of the year. On his choice of career, the legend Niki Lauda, incidentally honorary president of Mercedes – didn’t mince his words: “He needs to work out what he wants: a lot of freedom, little money and having nothing to do (…) or putting in a few more days at work. If he doesn’t go for it, he’s a wimp.” But Kimi is thick-skinned. His arrival in Formula 1™ aged just 21 and with just 20 or so races under his belt had tongues wagging in the paddocks. The following season, he was being head-hunted by the biggest stables. See you in 2014!
