In what must have been an unbelievable dream for Kimi Raikkonen, the star crossed driver for Ferrari F1, was a nightmare for McClaren sensation Lewis Hamilton. With the championship well within his grasp with two races remaining, critical mistakes prevented Hamilton form being the first rookie driver to win the world championship.
As the Brazilian Grand Prix started, Raikkonen had to win the race and have his teammate Felipe Massa run second, taking valuable points away from his rivals. The odds were long against this happening, but that is exactly what transpired. With the two Ferrari's running a cut above the competition, the rest fell into place when Hamilton faltered at the start, went wide at the second corner, then had some mechanical problems that left him buried in the back of the field on lap eight. The stage was set for the improbable to become reality.
You have to feel good that for once Kimi Raikkonen had good luck on his side. Remember back in 2005 when he was leading at least three races when mechanical problems struck his McClaren, once on the final lap of the European Grand Prix. He was by far the quickest driver that year, but the title went to Alonso because he had the reliable equipment. This was turn about is fair play for the Finish sensation, who does all his talking from the race car.
But remember, this is Formula1, and controversy is always going to play a role in the outcome. After the race McClaren launched a protest against both BMW's and the Williams/Toyota of Nico Rosberg for fuel improprieties. If the protest is upheld than the points Hamilton would need to win the championship would be gained and once again Raikkonen would be left out in the cold. If this happens would Lewis Hamilton really want the championship handed to him by a court of appeals? Somehow I tend to doubt that this would be anything but a blow to the sport and cast a bleak shadow over F1.
But let's leave this final race on a happy note and congratulate a true champion in Kimi Raikkonen. It was exciting to see the championship run down to the final race among three great drivers, and the driver that didn't make a mistake came out on top. That driver is Kimi Raikkonen.
As the Brazilian Grand Prix started, Raikkonen had to win the race and have his teammate Felipe Massa run second, taking valuable points away from his rivals. The odds were long against this happening, but that is exactly what transpired. With the two Ferrari's running a cut above the competition, the rest fell into place when Hamilton faltered at the start, went wide at the second corner, then had some mechanical problems that left him buried in the back of the field on lap eight. The stage was set for the improbable to become reality.
You have to feel good that for once Kimi Raikkonen had good luck on his side. Remember back in 2005 when he was leading at least three races when mechanical problems struck his McClaren, once on the final lap of the European Grand Prix. He was by far the quickest driver that year, but the title went to Alonso because he had the reliable equipment. This was turn about is fair play for the Finish sensation, who does all his talking from the race car.
But remember, this is Formula1, and controversy is always going to play a role in the outcome. After the race McClaren launched a protest against both BMW's and the Williams/Toyota of Nico Rosberg for fuel improprieties. If the protest is upheld than the points Hamilton would need to win the championship would be gained and once again Raikkonen would be left out in the cold. If this happens would Lewis Hamilton really want the championship handed to him by a court of appeals? Somehow I tend to doubt that this would be anything but a blow to the sport and cast a bleak shadow over F1.
But let's leave this final race on a happy note and congratulate a true champion in Kimi Raikkonen. It was exciting to see the championship run down to the final race among three great drivers, and the driver that didn't make a mistake came out on top. That driver is Kimi Raikkonen.
Kimi Raikkonen
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