http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6173861.stm Ferrari warn Raikkonen to behave. Raikkonen has a tough act to follow in Michael Schumacher Ferrari bosses have warned new signing Kimi Raikkonen that he must be on his best behaviour off the track next term. The party-loving Finn, 27, has joined the Italian giants after five years at McLaren to replace retired seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. But Ferrari chief executive Jean Todt told French newspaper Le Figaro: "The Finns like to drink from time to time. "But he will be more visible here and if he wants to clink glasses with friends, he must to do it discretely." Despite his concerns about Raikkonen's lifestyle, though, Todt has no doubt the Finn has the ability to deliver when he is behind the wheel. "You hear the stories, but at this level there are no tricks," added Todt. "It is necessary to be prepared, and I believe as a driver he is fast and consistent. "There is not only the departure of Michael that gives us a new challenge - our technical staff has evolved too. "The organisation has changed, but it will remain strong. Things will be different and there will be a new challenge, but the goal is still to win races." Oh we shall see.....
If Ferrari were paying me $51 million, I don't think I would have a hard time toning me behavior done a bit. He shouldn't take this opportunity to drive for Ferrari for granted.
He should have toned down the partying from the start, regardless of who he was driving for. Now because he's driving for Ferrari he should tone it down? You don't see Alonso getting smashed in public......
I don't see why it's such a big deal, if he wants to party let him party, as long as he's delivering at the track. Or maybe if they stop him from partying he'll have some energy for the post race interviews....
When you get busted blowing chunks cause you drank too much, with pics for all the world to see you prolly should chill out with the partying. Get smashed in private, not in a tabloid.
I wouldn't make any judgement based on the content of tabloids. a ) they make up stories b ) they invade privacy c ) they peddle in scandals Raikkonen is not an unknown quatity; Ferrari knew who they were recruiting, it's now their problem to deal with it.
If he drives it to pole, win and fastest lap they'll let him do what he damn well likes... if he behaves like an angel but comes 9th he'll be out the door.
It's not just for Ferrari's sake or his sake, it's for the sake of the sponsors...there is a reputation to be kept up.
I guess the miserable performance of the McLaren over the last few years had nothing to do with Kimi drinking a bit too much to escape.
I think Ferrari is concerned about Kimi having distractions. They want their top driver to have a single-minded focus, as did Schumacher. Look what happened to Jensen Button after his season with Williams, once he made some money he was all about buying trophy properties, big yachts, and expensive sports cars. he forgot that he also had to drive competitively as well. I don't think their position is at all unreasonable. If you are going to pay a driver that much money, then you deserve their full focus.
This would all be true if it weren't for the pictures. There was one posted here of Kimi hurling and Mika saying something him. Now i can't find it, lol. Funny as you or I might think it is, things like this should probably be done in private.
No, you seeing him crying about how it's everyone's fault he didnt win a race but his own. Even when his car performs as it should. Alonso is a cry baby.
No, you seeing him crying about how it's everyone's fault he didnt win a race but his own. Even when his car performs as it should. Alonso is a cry baby.
Okay, let's say you are a sponsor putting $100 million into the Ferrari effort. Will you stand up on national television and defend your driver who is caught out at strip club on the receiving end of a BJ who later is seen falling all over himself and barfing up a storm? Will you say that, "he can do whatever he wants as long as he wins for us"? Or will you expect him to be more discreet and even if he has those tendencies to keep them more under wraps? Other than the fact that he would be being distracted, too much alcohol and long party hours will eventually wreck you body and your concentration. We all know that F1 drivers are in better physical health now than they ever have been and with contracts being what they are, they should be. You know how you have been after partying too hard and getting up the next afternoon.........headache, fuzzy headed, a stomach that feels like it is made of glass and fixing to break. No, I want my driver to keep his mind on driving, especially during the driving season. If he wants to let his hair down after the season is over, then he has a month or two to relax and enjoy. Other than that, if I am paying him $51M a year, he will keep it on the straight and narrow, in public.......
In the recent issue of CAR magazine there is an article than slams MS as merely a lucky driver who won most of his races because of the car and excellent pit strategy of the team rather than via his driving ability. It cites Alonso as a far superior driver...of which I agree 100%. It also opines that Kimi will likely be the downfall of Ferrari F1 as long as he is there.
Alonso out drove MS the last two seasons and has two WDCs to prove it...Alonso can actually pass on the track whereas MS has to do so in the pits...
A pass is a pass. A win is a win. Everything else is grown men with too much free time on their hands...
Have you forgotten about Michaels early years when he took underperforming cars and made them winners??????? 2005 found Renault with a much superior car and Michael still did okay. 2006 had Renault begin the season with a still superior car but Ferrari finally got their act together about midseason and made a race of it. Michael and Massa won a few races and almost pulled it back out after being written off for dead at the halfway point. Alonso is a very good driver indeed, but in equal cars I would still have to pick Michael. Unless my memory is fading, I seem to remember Michael making many memorable passes on the track,,,,,,along with a very good pit crew allowing passes in the pits......... Hi Judge4RE
I think Alonso really didn't do the best move with McLaren, that's my conviction! McLaren just doesn't seem to get out of the Mercedes-mud, and Briatore wants to go on with Kovalainen as WC! Let's cross our fingers for Massa and Kimi! The gap Ross Brawn is leaving behind him is a huuuuuuuge one! Just imagine how often Schumi won because of Brawn's superb strategies!
