I was watching F1 practice yesterday on Speed, and they mentioned that a return for Kimi to McLaren might not be in the cards because he balked at having to do at least 10 PR events a year. What's the hell is up with these F1 drivers? Could you imagine if they went to Nascar or Indy? They'd have a heart attack! F1 should mandate the drivers do alot of fan and PR events. It's so refreshing to watch Nascar and Indy, and the gratitude , interest and availability to fans and media.
Even better is the Rolex series guys. You get pit access, driver access and many organized driver/team events every race. At Watkins Glen, they have a pit walk before the race. Every driver has time to say hello and thank you for being there. These guys are truly fan oriented.
because it has ZERO to do with racing. Kimi isn't a pretentious **** like 99% of other drivers hence he doesn't go to events like this. He wants to get in the car, race, win, go back to his life. Repeat. Americans seem to LOVE PR events.
The difference is, kimi has already made all the money he needs. he doesn't seem to care whether he's in F1 or not. that allows him to negotiate on his terms. No different than anyone else at the end of there career, when they no longer need the $$$. He obviously hates PR days, and has decided it's not worth it to him. How much did seinfeld turn down to do 1 more season? kimi's situation is no different IMHO. once you have all the money you need, some things become more important than enormous sums of money.
Kimi is ALREADY rich beyond the wildest dreams of mortal men, having been one of the highest paid F1 stars for a numbers of years. Hard to tempt (or motivate ) a man who has everything. He truly doesn't care. Some champions, like Schumacher, are self motivators, the kind that win mulitiple championships. But regardless, when you get to that level of fame, I'm sure you must tire of the constant spotlight. I'd love to see Kimi wake up next year and remind us why Ferrari was dying to sign him for 2007.
Refreshing? I tire of the constant corporate whoredom of the NASCAR guys in particular. Of all the sports I've ever watched, they're the most blatant. It's not something I admire. As for being available to the fans, I can respect a driver or actor or musician, etc, just as much for doing great things and not feeling comfortable being surrounded all the time. If having talent was only about greeting fans, you could just hire a spokesmodel, right?
I'm sorry,they owe it to the fans to be more involved. Take an actor for instance. When they're plugging a new movie they want to talk to everyone and their mother. Then once the movies out and done they don't want to talk,sorry. What about all the t-shirts,caps and toys they buy that supports their lavish lifestyles? Now, I respect when they're on private time they should be left alone.The look on kids faces when they got an autograph at the Indy F1 races says it all.
Racing only exists because the fans watch it, which makes it a lucrative place for sponsors to get involved. Without either of those, Kimi would be some bum sitting in a bar with good reflexes. He ought to appreciate that a bit more. And he ought to give at least a little something back those who afford him the lifestyle he has.
KF1 karting exists, No one EVER goes to a race like that except family. F3, pretty much the same thing. You never hear of people crossing even their country to watch an F3 race. FYI one season in F3 costs around $750K US.
I hate to be so rude but you really come across as a shallow idiot. Why is it absolutely impossible for someone like you to understand that SOME PEOPLE ARE MOTIVATED BY THINGS OTHER THAN MONEY AND FAME. Period.
I'm actually starting to wonder if anyone, or any top teams would want Kimi. Why? Cos i'm surprised it's all rather quite ...
it's the other way, wich Team does Kimi want ? he wants to go with a team that can win, and there are few. he could find easily a seat if he wanted to just drive around.
Kimster mentioned that he wants a Championship challenging team. Roughly, just roughy, that would mean Mclaren, Brawn, RedBull... But so far, no one can seem to confirm anything. Only Toyota is dreaming about Kimi, while Mclaren are still sorting out things, Brawn could not follow up on reports, etc. I'm just saying..as a top driver, everything seems quiet.
I agree. He's a bad ROI. No guarantee the guy will be in the "mood" to win. The guy's remuneration needs to be tied to his performance or he's out. He on the other hand doesn't want that cuz it would probably mean he's under the gun to have to really earn what he's being paid. I'd pass on the guy too for some younger, hungry blood.
Yes. Generally, Kimi's stint at Ferrari has been disappointing. Time for his fans to wake up and smell the coffee.
Or...time for the non fans to take their blinders off and see the light like everyone else I guess it works either way
+1 Kimi is one of the best of the pack from a raw talent point of view, but possibly the least motivated of them all...
Just heard on the BBC coverage that Toyota are still in talks with him but is manger was demanding more money, and Toyota think they've put enough on the table for him. If he wants to win more championships like he says he does then Mclaren is the only team for him, Toyota have never and will never be in the hunt to win championships. Either that or he quits completely or he goes to the WRC.... but I'd LOVE to see him at Mclaren again.
will not to stand there like a bloody cardbox cutout at a bloody PR event now is it! Last time I checked F1 was a SPORT where people RACE CARS and not attend bs events to keep the f'ing sponsors happy! He's only gone and won a championship, thats all. Was schumacher dissapointing when he came to Ferrari, a double WCC and he didn't win a championship until 2000? As usual...only nonsense from what you type.
Without the sponsors Kimi nor other drivers would be paid such a huge wage. I would have happily gone to PR events if I got the salary he made at his age rather than working my balls off where you may be up all night and getting paid peanuts compared to his salary.
