F1 | Russian GP | Raikkonen on his P8 result: ''Not too bad''
On his return following a two-race absence, the Finnish driver bagged four points.
Kimi Raikkonen returned at the Russian Grand Prix after missing the last two races following a positive COVID test.
The 2007 World Champion had a strong weekend was rewarded with four points as he finished in P8, just behind long-time leader Lando Norris.
From 13th on the grid, Raikkonen had another excellent lap one and climbed his way up to P10, and was ahead of the likes of Vettel, Verstappen, Leclerc and Bottas throughout the opening stint.
Points seemed unlikely as he was in 13th in the closing stages, and was stuck behind Esteban Ocon for most of the race as Alfa Romeo’s lack of straight-line speed hurt them.
However, a perfectly timed switch to inters, called for by the 21-time Grand Prix winner, vaulted him up into the points.
Raikkonen was left satisfied with his race, even if he wanted a little bit more.
''I’d much rather be a bit higher up but I think generally nothing too much better [available],'' he said.
''We made a good start, gained some positions and then followed the Alpine most of the race.
''I felt the car was behaving well but we were a bit too slow to really make progress and most of the race we were behind him [Ocon].
''I felt I had more speed but when the straight opened up I had no chance to overtake him and then luckily we made a right call [to switch to inters].
''I felt that it was too wet already and we were one of the early ones to come in to change tyres and it paid off in the end.''
The 41-year-old was asked if he felt if his rallying skills helped him as the drivers had to go around on slicks as the tracks got wetter before making it to the pits to change to inters.
''No, not really,'' he said.
''For sure our car is not usually the best in the wet conditions but luckily we pit in the right moment and had decent speed actually in the last couple of laps.
''I managed to pass some cars so not too bad.''
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