I’d always be in Kimi Raikkonen's car in computer games, says Lewis Hamilton

Legendary racer Lewis Hamilton has expressed his love and admiration for Kimi Raikkonen, following the Iceman’s announcement that he would leave the sport at the end of the year. Raikkonen’s 19th season competing in the sport, having made his debut in 2001 will be his final one. Seven-time champion Hamilton who replaced the Finn at McLaren in 2007, revealed how the racer had been one of his idols growing up.

“I remember before I got to Formula 1, in computer games I’d always be in Kimi’s car. So I had this crazy experience of racing against him, losing a championship to him and then [having] lots of great battles [with him]. He will be missed,” chuckled the racer as quoted by Formula 1’s website.

“You could trust Kimi when you were side by side”

Hamilton added that Raikkonen was “tough but very, very fair” when battling it out on the track. The same sentiments were expressed by Fernando Alonso who termed the Finn as a tough competitor who was always fair and respectful.

“In that aspect I will miss him because you knew you could trust Kimi when you were side by side. He will never do any crazy thing or anything that would put you in danger,” said Alonso who partnered Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2014.

Former Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel had a funny response when asked about the fact he would miss most about the Finn in Formula 1.

“The silence. He’s an incredible talent and seeing that first-hand as a team mate for some years was impressive, just the amount of speed he has right from the get-go and the ability he has to get used to different cars, different conditions. He definitely earned his place and had a long, great career,” said Vettel.

“He’s one of a kind, and respect for everything he’s achieved”

Current Williams driver George Russell and fellow countryman Valtteri Bottas also paid tribute to Raikkonen, with the former sharing a funny story.

“The first time I ever spoke to Kimi, the conversation ended with him twisting my nipples!. [It was] at the FIA Gala in 2018. He’s one of a kind, and respect for everything he’s achieved on-track and off… as well. He’s a bit of a legend and for sure he’ll be missed – there’s no one like him,” said Russell.

Bottas termed Raikkonen as somebody he would follow closely after starting his journey in F1.

“As a youngster I was following him closely when he started in F1. At that time, I was doing my first season in single seaters in Formula Renault when he won his title with Ferrari. He’s obviously a big star in Finland, a bit of a legend and it was always good fun to watch him and nice to race with him because he’s one of the drivers that when you race with them, you’re quite comfortable going wheel to wheel. He’s always had good respect to his competition – and that’s the way I like racing as well,” he stated.