In Between The Horns: Ex-F1 Star Shocks Fans, Claims ‘Not Even Sebastian Vettel Could Outpace Kimi Raikkonen in a ‘Fast’ Ferrari
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, a former F1 star has made a bold claim—“Not even Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, could outpace Kimi Räikkönen when driving a truly fast Ferrari.” This surprising statement has sparked widespread debate among motorsport enthusiasts and pundits alike.
Kimi Räikkönen, often referred to as the “Iceman” for his cool demeanor under pressure, is celebrated as one of the most naturally talented drivers in Formula 1 history. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Räikkönen secured the 2007 World Championship title with Ferrari—their last Drivers’ Championship to date.
On the other hand, Sebastian Vettel’s dominance with Red Bull Racing between 2010 and 2013 cemented his place among the sport’s greats. The German ace joined Ferrari in 2015 with high hopes of bringing the Maranello-based team back to championship glory.
During a recent podcast interview, the ex-F1 insider, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: “When Ferrari provided a truly competitive car, Kimi’s raw pace was unmatched. Not even Seb could touch him. People forget how incredibly fast Räikkönen was when everything clicked.”
This claim challenges the widely accepted narrative that Vettel was the team’s clear number-one driver during their time as teammates. Between 2015 and 2018, Vettel outscored Räikkönen in points and victories, yet many argue that factors beyond sheer speed played a significant role.
Data from the 2017 and 2018 seasons shows that while Vettel consistently finished ahead, Räikkönen’s performances were often hindered by strategic missteps and team orders. Notably, when given equal footing, the Finn showcased his incredible pace, such as his memorable pole position at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix—the fastest lap in F1 history at the time.
The statement has reignited discussions on social media, with fans debating the true hierarchy within Ferrari during the Vettel-Räikkönen era. Some supporters of the Iceman believe the anonymous insider’s claim vindicates their long-held belief that Räikkönen was not given the full support he deserved.
Others, however, remain skeptical. “Vettel was clearly the better driver in terms of points and consistency,” one fan tweeted. “Kimi was great, but let’s not rewrite history.”
Regardless of debates, both drivers hold legendary status in the sport. Räikkönen remains adored for his no-nonsense approach and incredible speed, while Vettel is respected for his technical prowess and leadership.
As Ferrari continues its quest for championship glory with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, the legacy of past greats like Räikkönen and Vettel looms large. This latest claim serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and complex dynamics that define Formula 1.
Whether or not fans agree with the anonymous insider’s assertion, one thing is certain: the debate over who truly was Ferrari’s fastest driver in their golden years will continue to fuel passionate discussions for years to come.
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