Kimi: The relationship with Vettel is the best

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Mr Räikkönen, what do you say about that you are the most popular Formula 1 driver around the world?
Kimi Raikkonen (36): There is not much to say except that I am very happy about it. But of course I would like to also have better results than it is the case at the moment.

You seem more relaxed this season than in the previous. Is there a reason?
In the team the atmosphere has generally improved. When everyone is happy it also helps to bring better performances. Everyone now has more fun at work. And the results are better than in 2014, no question. Although I would have wished even better results for me.

Does it help to forget poor results more quickly if at home you hold your little Robin in your arms?
It's always nice to come home to the family. But already in the past I could separate my sport life from my personal life. I have two lives. I can turn off the racer at home. I've never whined at home when the race previously was a failure. Nothing annoys me long.

You drive with team-mate Sebastian Vettel almost at eye level. That wasn’t the case in 2014 alongside Fernando Alonso. Have you relearned the driving?
Sebastian has better results, but it's true: My results are also better. But that is because the car this year suits me better. And also the better atmosphere is one reason.

How much Vettel has to do with it?
Much, he is an important part of it. Because drivers are always in the position to provide a good atmosphere or bad - and thus to make it harder for a team. We both know each other very well, get along very well and are totally open to each other. And that in the end makes it a lot easier to work.

Did you expect that Vettel would be so strong from the start?
For sure. He was after all very strong in the past. Only last year he had problems but that can sometimes happen.

How optimistic are you that you can constantly drive for the title in 2016?
That's the goal anyway. It’s clear: We have a better basis for 2016 than we had before 2015. If we keep working on our program, to constantly improve, it is possible. If not in 2016, then in 2017.

For many it is certain that Sebastian Vettel is giving the decisive impulses. That Vettel is the one who keeps pushing the team. It is very hard to imagine that you do nothing ...
I don’t mind what people think, couldn’t care less. It is important that I know what I'm doing. Sebastian and I have similar ideas on how to improve the car and we pull together. This is more important than the chatter of people.

Did the friendship get stronger since you are teammates?
No, not really. The level has not changed and that's a good thing.

Where he stands in comparison with all of your other teammates?
The relationship with Sebastian is the best of them all. Also because it is the most open of all.

You have a one-year contract. Are you concerned about the future?
No, the others will do that. Probably soon there will be the first speculations again, how it will go on for me (laughs).

You have tweeted a photo of your son Robin in a mini Ferrari suit. Do you want your son to be a race driver one day?
No, rather not. Then I would have to go back to all the races. The important thing is that he is happy. No matter what. I will support him in everything he wants to do.

Will you tell him one day from your own childhood, which wasn’t a bed of roses?
I will definitely do that one day. It is not the right way to allow him everything. That would not be good. But as I said, I try that he is as happy as possible and to support him in everything. But support doesn’t mean to spoil helplessly.

Will you also show him your YouTube classics? For example, the famous fall from the upper deck of a boat to the hard wooden planks underneath?
No, he sure will find out himself one day.