This was a really great video! To me Kimi is that rare occasion where I think he was at his best when he didn't win the title in 07'. Ferrari Kimi was solid and consistent, but McLaren-Michelin Kimi was just magic and all time great levels of speed
Hey, thanks for watching! Big fan of your stuff so this comment means a lot 🙏 His style was just all out attack in those McLaren years and it was so fun to watch. It's so ironic that he won the title in 07 the way he did, when it was luck that cost him the two titles before!
He was at his best in the McClaren years. Which would look even better if they weren't fighting reliability issues for 3 seasons. The lotus years had potential to some of his finest if that wouldn't have blown up.
@@FormulaPulse Ironic? Dude, he won the 2007 championship because he was the best driver and did everything right when it mattered the most unlike some of his rivals. Won the championship with more mechanical DNFs (2) to none for Hamilton and Alonso.
That Spain 2012 podium was different. Pastor Maldonado, having won his first GP. Fernando Alonso, salty as ever for losing his home race to Pastor ”f***ing” Maldonado and Kimi Raikkonen, who had been drinking for 16 days.
With McLaren and on Michelin he was in a class of his own. 04 Silverstone restart after safety car was insane. He completely dominated another supposed great driver in Montoya and it wasn't even close. His ability to qualify that 05 Mclaren with ridiculous amounts of fuel more than anyone else and still stick it on pole, was out of this world. Montoya must have been so frustrated and confused as to how he was so much slower in a equal car.
Thanks for watching and great comment. He was unreal in '05 and it was amazing he got anywhere the title considering all the issues. Montoya was so frustrating that year, with the injury and then some of his mistakes that handed points back to Renault.
@@Glasshexagon So now you change the topic 😂. We were talking about Montoya? And who told you those cars were oversteery? 2018 was the only year when Ferrari had a strong front end, and Kimi outscored Vettel in the second half even with worse luck and strategies. Made far less mistakes, no spins etc. Points table won't give you the entire context.
Bwoah. Drincc. Bwoah. Steering wheel. Don't shout fxxker. Bwoah Leave me alone. Yesyesyes. Bwoah. Love him. Will miss him. There's only one Kimi. Hope you guys are all well and good.
2005 he was phenomenal. You forgot to mention 2008. Kimi had an amazing start and back then I was convinced he was going to win a 2nd title. After the Spanish GP, the new evolutions on the car clearly didn't favor him and his driving style and suited Massa better. Despite this, Kimi took an amazing pole in France (if you watch the onboard he's really struggling with understeer but still manages to take the pole) but during the race he had an exhaust issue which gave the win to Massa....from then I think Massa benefited a lot from the fight between Hamilton and Kimi who battled and lost points (pitlane incident in Canada, collision at Spa in the rain...). I think that Kimi had a lot of issues and bad luck that year, and he was clearly not the number 1 driver either but still managed to drive wonderfully with a car that wasn't suited to him and helped his teammate until the end like the gentleman he is. Without the bad luck and the reliability issues I'm convinced taht he could have fought till the end for the title despite having become "number 2" in a slightly understeery car.
Thanks for watching and for the great comment. Unfortunately I couldn't go into detail about every season, but there's some great moments you've mentioned in 2008. I remember thinking when he was leading at Spa that another comeback for the title might be on, but it just didn't work out.
Ferrari basically sabotaged him in 2008. I read up so much and it made me so mad that they intentionally slowed him down then forced him out for Alonso because of a Spanish sponsor.
Excellent Post even I forgot till I went back &reviewed 2008. Felipe, Kimi & Lewis all had 2 wins a piece till mid season. then 3 really bad things happened. 1. Lewis crashed into him in the pitlane at Monaco whilst he was fighting for 2nd, 2. French GP he grabbed Ferrari's 200th Pole and then the exhaust failed and he dropped to 4th 3. European GP he was leading the race then encountered engine hydraulics failure and retired. After these things Ferrari were compelled to back Massa, I remember being so annoyed at his hard luck despite driving brilliantly in a car he didn't like. I cannot believe people think he is "not adaptable" - that season proved he was better than anyone at adapting. You cannot do anything about bad luck. Also what Ferrari / MS did in April ?- was so wrong by changing the balance of that car to suit felipe- I truly now believe that Michael was concerned about his legacy after how quickly Kimi became champion in 2007 at Ferrari & maybe/possibly even resentful that Kimi actually replaced him because initially he wanted to stay but Ferrari said no. Santander/Alonso deal was apparently already signed in mid 2008. and this coincides with ALL the problems Kimi was having. I felt it in my bones at the time but it was only later I actually found out what happened, and nothing will change my view that there much happening than possibly even Kimi knew at the time. It was very disturbing and wrong on so many levels & isn't it strange that despite everything they've tried since has not worked & returning Kimi in 2014 as a no2 was even more insulting and they will rue 2018 forever because even at 39 he could have won that year with the right support instead of that clown Vettel.
He was very consistent, and took advantage of kind the Lotus was on its tyres. He probably would have finished even higher in 2013 had he not missed the last two races.
@@FormulaPulse He might not have missed the last 2 races if :- 1.Lotus didn't carry on like a bunch of chumps eg - Alan Permane at India 2. Lotus paid him 18months back pay. 3. He didn't need surgery on his back !.-when you consider he delayed surgery in Singapore and drove an astonishingly rapid race after getting an injection from The Late Finnish doctor Ari Hintsa from Mclaren - Bless his soul!. A fact that got Martin Whitmarsh in hot water with Ron Dennis after Kimi dispensed with Button like a beginner and almost caught Hamilton at the end .4 Lotus starting favoring Grosjean (GoesWrong) - the only success he had in F1 was because he learned from the very best.
2005. His final win made him the Winningest Finn of all time. 1. Raikkonen 21 wins 2. Hakkinen 20 Wins 3. Bottas 10 wins 4. Keke 6 wins 5. Heikke 1 win
After learning about Raikkonen’s McLaren career, from 2003-05, he was the fastest driver in the world. His pace back then was just scary. Learning about his bad luck in 05, I see his title win differently as he FINALLY won the championship after coming so close in 03 and 05.
Well maybe 2018 but they already backed Vettel and history has proven what a big mistake that was. Also had Ferrari backed him in 2008 and not allow Michael to interfere with the 2008 development program I'm certain history would have been different 100%. And look what Karma has done to Ferrari since...
It has to be 2005 for me. That was the fastest Kimi has ever been, and some of his greatest drives were from 2003-2006. I still remember that fantastic Japan race. The only thing that ultimately lost him the title was the reliability issues. But overall, 7 wins and damn near world champion.
@@FormulaPulse 2006 he had opportunity to win 4 times at least also but sadly McLaren Reliability and Operational Reliability cost his those races, Bahrain Q1 2006, Rear Suspension explodes forcing him to start from last place 22nd, in era where overtaking was not as easy. Finished 18 seconds behind the winner in 3rd when was 20-25 seconds adrift end of lap 1, Monaco 2006, heat shield failure again terrible reliability from Mclaren in race and bad luck with safety car. Canada 2006, 1st pitstop issues when he was on track to jump Alonso in pits after staying out longer first stint. Finally, China 2006 throttle linkage issues when running in 2nd place behind Alonso who hadn't stopped yet and who had problems later in race.
@@FormulaPulse Honestly Spa 2004 was an exceptionally under rated race. MS did not know where Kimi came from (post race press conf). Kimi was hit by Massa at the start from 10th ! Had gearbox issues mid race - drove around them (& a damaged floor) and decimated arguably one of the fastest Ferrari's in history. It was a lacklustre race but Kimi has often said that some of the best races dont look like much on the outside but when he / team have to work really hard for them they are good- I'm sure this was one of them!
Kimi on raw speed terms is one of the fastest in F1 history prime example of this is him have the 3rd most amount of fastest laps in F1 history only behind Schumi and Lewis both of whom have had much more faster and dominant cars than Kimi. Kimi you will be missed, long live the King of Spa and long live the Iceman.
Thanks for watching and the great comment. He'll definitely be missed 😭 Good catch on the Mansell error, really kicking myself over that one, but hope you enjoyed the video anyway!
Exactly.He has extraordinary feel for what a car is doing evidenced by his mm judgement when overtaking on the limit. No-one before or after him has that level of control on limit. I was blessed to have attended Melb 2013, when all the RB fans were giving me shit cheering him on starting 7th - but I knew he was on top of those complex shitty Pirelli's and boy did I give it back to about 100 of those guys. My friend who'd never exp F1 was stunned at my "gut feel". Boy did we have fun that day! Hamilton, Alonso could not believe his pace on 31 lap old tyres compared to next best on 15. & Kimis engineers was astonished that telemetry showed he only broke traction twice on a damp/drying track.
Alonso Kimi Vettel and Valentino Rossi ..they have given us so much memories.they have raced without complaining in the worse cars in the worse of days.
Crazy that either of them haven't won a title since '07 🤯 Kimi could have had two more in '05 and '03, and Fernando should really have at least two more titles!
@Justin Y The Robber Alonso should not have had 2005.Did you think about that. Alonso did not pass a lowly 7th place Renault in 2010 - SO NO to that too .2012 -He ran into Kimi at Suzuka and popped his tyres - So no to that!. Whereas Kimi's many many mech failures in 2003-2005 definitely cost him easy championship in 2005 and almost certainly 2003.
I think his 2005 season is honestly his best season.. Just the way he sometimes dominate weekends(sadly engine failures come to bite him),consistency and his racecraft was insane. Kimi's 05 season performance honestly one of the best non championship winning performances. It's up there with Alonso's 07,10 and 12 seasons,Hamilton 07 and 16 lastly Schumacher's 06 season. His 2007 season especially the 2nd half of the year was very much like his 2005 year,completely consistent from Magny Cour onwards and could have finished on the podium in those 10 race period if it wasn't for his retirement at the Nurburgring.
It's so hard to pick but the first 4 you picked were all phenomenal in their own way. 2012 for competing with a midfield car, 2007 for the close title clinch, 2005 and 2003 for the near wins that were plagued by unfortunate circumstances (he just needed to not blow up at the nurburgring and he would have won 03)
I agree, and you've said it brilliantly: 05 was the peak of the iceman. That season is his referencepoint. He was almost frightening in that dark McLaren.
My names shaaban and im from Turkey and my vote; 2005 season i almost watched every circuit and i cant forgot the europian grand prix.. last lap drama.. so emotional.
This might be the best video about Kimi out here! Good job! 05 for sure was the best season but the 2007 vengaence against luck wasn't bad either. Long live to the Iceman!
Those McLaren years were incredible. Just bad luck, that he didn't win the title there. And the comeback was great too! Nobody expected results that good. Not even his employer...
@@elliotttalksf1825 In '03 he had to be so consistent to keep the title fight alive. McLaren didn't have the best car but he kept dragging out great results, especially with Schumacher winning so many races. And he ended up closer than '05, and might have the title if not for reliability issues.
I’m glad you incorporated 2018. He wasn’t in his prime but he was still Kimi Räikkönen. He was one of the best drivers that year and brought the fight to the faster Mercedes. In my opinion 2018 for Kimi was that 2006 Schumacher type season… he ended his stint near the front brilliantly
I'm sad that he's finally retiring, but I am also grateful to be able to witness him racing at Formula 1. Such a great driver coupled with hilarious personality, a unique driver that sadly we might never see the likes of him again next season onwards.
2013 performance was underrated too. He had mechanical issues and “other” issues with the team a lot. The car couldn’t perform well after tyre rule changes in the middle of the season. He even hasn’t raced like 2 or 3 races that season. Still he was close to finish 3rd at the championship.
Formula Pulse Had he moved any team except Ferrari in 2014, he would’ve had a slightly better career for the last 8 years. I also think if he stayed at Mclaren in 2007, he would’ve won the championship with a minimum 10 points difference. He became a world champion driver with his going to Ferrari decision. But if he stayed at Mclaren, he could’ve maybe had more… We could say the same thing for Fernando’s decisions of going to Mclaren 2 times. 😆 Both drivers suffered from bad decisions.
Started watching in 2003. Ferrari will always be my favorite team (because i was 7 then and all supercars are ferrari) but kimi (2003-2005 peak) is my favorite driver of all time. He managed to bring it to peak schumi and ferrari. Also "mclaren-mercedes" just sounds so damn cool like "scuderia ferrari-marlboro"
If you liked this video, you might also be interested in our look at Nico Hulkenberg's career and why he never lived up to his potential - th-cam.com/video/IxX5TcK8IrM/w-d-xo.html
Great video, really enjoyed it - also made me a bit misty eyed! It's made me want to watch some of his quali laps in the McLarens. Watching him at Suzuka in 2002 qualifying was crazy. The confidence he had to take such speed into corners was bordering on insanity, and i will always love that about early Kimi. To think certain people around f1 were dead against him driving for Sauber all those years ago, i wonder what they think now. Thanks for the video. Hope there's many more to come. 👍
That's one Brilliant video mate.... Very rarely do one see a neutral take on Kimi's career focusing on his pace as most of the new fans and youtubers portray him as the "funny radio guy". Earned yourself a new subscriber... And one of my personal favourite from his Sauber return years is 2020 Mugello. Where he jumped from p11 to p8 on the final restart and stayed ahead of both factory ferraris on track while building a 5 second gap to seb to cover his pit entey penalty and still finish p9 all while driving a damaged Sauber from the first lap melee.... He was setting 6-7 personal best laps one after the other, trying to deny leclerc from getting into his drs range.... That was just magic kimi and the final time I've seen him push a damaged car beyond it's limit consistently lap after lap....
That's awesome feedback, thank you 🙏 I think it's a shame that's the perception of him now, because he was so good in his prime. Wish I'd included that Mugello example now, completely slipped my mind when thinking of his recent successes!
’05 hands down. I remember in post-race press conf Peter Windsor calling Kimis win in Monaco demoralizing to his opponents. And of course who can forget Suzuka.
@@FormulaPulse I met some people from Finland many years ago on vacation…… they told me that Kimi by far is the most popular person in Finland by wide margin 😎
Has to be 2005. 7 wins, lost three almost guaranteed victories (both Germanies and San Marino), his pace was unreal. As a McLaren fan, I will never stop to regret that his name is not carved next to 2005 title.
He was completely brilliant in 2005 and should have won at least two more World Championships - such a shame that McLaren was so unreliable for him. Legend gets thrown around a lot, but Kimi Raikkonen is a legend.
I mean the 2005 season was legendary in terms of pure driving performance despite the 2nd place in championship, but the fact that after 2 years of rallying he manages to end up in 3rd place in 2012 championship standings while driving a fucking Lotus is almost as unbelievable to me.
@@FormulaPulse I wanted to say Fernando Alonso, but his career isn't close to being over and I'm hoping for an insane comeback with the new regulations. If you haven't done videos on Massa, JPM, Häkkinen, Rosberg, Webber, Barichello or maybe less popular drivers like Kovalainen, Trulli, Sutil or Heidfeld. These drivers come to mind.
I have this one on Alonso's comeback (not the best audio quality as it was one of my first videos) th-cam.com/video/MrbDcgjPJMo/w-d-xo.html Some great choices in there. Hakkinen is one I'd like to cover, and some of those like JPM and Barrichello would make great "should have been champion" style videos. Eddie Irvine's 1999 season is another I'd like to cover.
@@FormulaPulse Plans sound great. Newcomers to the sport should really enjoy your videos, easy to understand and informative. Kudos for subtitles as well.
Those five were his best seasons for sure, but as the very best I wouldn't choose 2005 but 2012, because his comeback from rally to formula car racing (a completely different kind of motorsport) was more than impressive, and what he made with that Lotus was really a miracle. So for me: 2012, then 2003, then 2005, then 2007, and no.5 is 2018.
I think it shows how great Kimi's career has been that there are so many seasons you can make a case for as being his best. He was able to adapt his style so quickly in 2012 - and he came so close to winning in Bahrain in his fourth race back.
My favourite driver on the grid, so sad to see him go and the fact he did not get the respect he deserved in the second stint at Ferrari seen as he is still their last world champion! Signing off at Alfa was a nice wind down to a top career though.
@@FormulaPulse yeah looked so promising after lotus too, such a shame one of the greats no doubt🙌🏾 hopefully newer drivers like Charles get more respect from Ferrari in future
Thanks for watching! Good catch, kicking myself over that one. I also mispoke on the year of Mansell's debut win for Ferrari. I'll just say I'm trying to keep my viewers on their toes 😅
Hard to pick single one, but I think he was briliant in 2006, just the car was not quick enough to show his true form that year.... fantastic long stints in Bahrain to put him on the podium from back of the grid, amazing race start in spain and briliant drive the whole race. He was probably quickest in Monaco, just did not have the clean track and we know what happened after his DNF, briliant podiums in GBR, CAN, GER with the car that probably should not have been there. Briliant pole positions in Hockenheim and Monza, stunning start and wet drive in China until his car broke once again. I think his 2006 performace was at least as good as 2005. Definitely should have been in this top 5 list.
That's definitely an underrated season, with some great moments in there. I couldn't cover every season in detail, and that season has the unlucky positioning of being between his mega year in 05 and the title win in 07. But definitely agree that he was great the season, albeit somewhat under the radar.
You know what upsets me?. Had those Mclaren held together and he won at least 2005 .He may have stayed at Mclaren in 2007. Which means we would have witnessed the fastest driver pairing since Senna/Prost - I'm 100% certain. I think Kimi and Lewis would have been out of this world !-they are the fastest drivers since the turn of the century and Lewis just took over where Kimi left off. Would be sensational wins all the way through to 2010.
Meme, the term coined by Richard Dawkins as a way to pass on information that is subject to evolution without the use of genetic material. Did you use the term correctly or did you just mean joke?
This was a really great video! To me Kimi is that rare occasion where I think he was at his best when he didn't win the title in 07'. Ferrari Kimi was solid and consistent, but McLaren-Michelin Kimi was just magic and all time great levels of speed
Hey, thanks for watching! Big fan of your stuff so this comment means a lot 🙏
His style was just all out attack in those McLaren years and it was so fun to watch. It's so ironic that he won the title in 07 the way he did, when it was luck that cost him the two titles before!
He won in 07?
He was at his best in the McClaren years. Which would look even better if they weren't fighting reliability issues for 3 seasons.
The lotus years had potential to some of his finest if that wouldn't have blown up.
@@FormulaPulse Ironic? Dude, he won the 2007 championship because he was the best driver and did everything right when it mattered the most unlike some of his rivals. Won the championship with more mechanical DNFs (2) to none for Hamilton and Alonso.
That Spain 2012 podium was different.
Pastor Maldonado, having won his first GP.
Fernando Alonso, salty as ever for losing his home race to Pastor ”f***ing” Maldonado and
Kimi Raikkonen, who had been drinking for 16 days.
Ha, a cursed podium if there ever was one.
With McLaren and on Michelin he was in a class of his own. 04 Silverstone restart after safety car was insane. He completely dominated another supposed great driver in Montoya and it wasn't even close.
His ability to qualify that 05 Mclaren with ridiculous amounts of fuel more than anyone else and still stick it on pole, was out of this world. Montoya must have been so frustrated and confused as to how he was so much slower in a equal car.
Thanks for watching and great comment. He was unreal in '05 and it was amazing he got anywhere the title considering all the issues.
Montoya was so frustrating that year, with the injury and then some of his mistakes that handed points back to Renault.
Montoya's driving style doesn't suit to an oversteering car, exactly like Kimi's doesn't suit to an understeering car.
@@Glasshexagon The 2006 car was understeery, yet Kimi dominated Montoya 😊
@@hritik950 And Kimi lost to Vettel in an oversteering car too
@@Glasshexagon So now you change the topic 😂. We were talking about Montoya?
And who told you those cars were oversteery? 2018 was the only year when Ferrari had a strong front end, and Kimi outscored Vettel in the second half even with worse luck and strategies. Made far less mistakes, no spins etc. Points table won't give you the entire context.
Can't help but love Kimi. At least he can now can get the drink.
😂
Hopefully it doesn’t cause a flood
But for F1 it's too fuggin late now, for fugs Sake!
Bwoah. Drincc. Bwoah. Steering wheel. Don't shout fxxker. Bwoah
Leave me alone. Yesyesyes. Bwoah. Love him. Will miss him. There's only one Kimi.
Hope you guys are all well and good.
6 days straight
Yes he won the championship in 2007, but in my opinion his best season was 2005.
Me trying to forget about Kimi retiring to enjoy race......
Formula Pulse : Reminding me what we are loosing after this Season 😭😅
Getting this video in early to give people time to come to terms with it 😅
@@FormulaPulse nice
2005 he was phenomenal. You forgot to mention 2008. Kimi had an amazing start and back then I was convinced he was going to win a 2nd title. After the Spanish GP, the new evolutions on the car clearly didn't favor him and his driving style and suited Massa better. Despite this, Kimi took an amazing pole in France (if you watch the onboard he's really struggling with understeer but still manages to take the pole) but during the race he had an exhaust issue which gave the win to Massa....from then I think Massa benefited a lot from the fight between Hamilton and Kimi who battled and lost points (pitlane incident in Canada, collision at Spa in the rain...). I think that Kimi had a lot of issues and bad luck that year, and he was clearly not the number 1 driver either but still managed to drive wonderfully with a car that wasn't suited to him and helped his teammate until the end like the gentleman he is. Without the bad luck and the reliability issues I'm convinced taht he could have fought till the end for the title despite having become "number 2" in a slightly understeery car.
Thanks for watching and for the great comment.
Unfortunately I couldn't go into detail about every season, but there's some great moments you've mentioned in 2008.
I remember thinking when he was leading at Spa that another comeback for the title might be on, but it just didn't work out.
Ferrari basically sabotaged him in 2008. I read up so much and it made me so mad that they intentionally slowed him down then forced him out for Alonso because of a Spanish sponsor.
ferrari sabotaged their own future by favoring massa OVER THEIR OWN CHAMPION
Excellent Post even I forgot till I went back &reviewed 2008. Felipe, Kimi & Lewis all had 2 wins a piece till mid season. then 3 really bad things happened.
1. Lewis crashed into him in the pitlane at Monaco whilst he was fighting for 2nd,
2. French GP he grabbed Ferrari's 200th Pole and then the exhaust failed and he dropped to 4th
3. European GP he was leading the race then encountered engine hydraulics failure and retired.
After these things Ferrari were compelled to back Massa, I remember being so annoyed at his hard luck despite driving brilliantly in a car he didn't like. I cannot believe people think he is "not adaptable" - that season proved he was better than anyone at adapting. You cannot do anything about bad luck. Also what Ferrari / MS did in April ?- was so wrong by changing the balance of that car to suit felipe- I truly now believe that Michael was concerned about his legacy after how quickly Kimi became champion in 2007 at Ferrari & maybe/possibly even resentful that Kimi actually replaced him because initially he wanted to stay but Ferrari said no. Santander/Alonso deal was apparently already signed in mid 2008. and this coincides with ALL the problems Kimi was having. I felt it in my bones at the time but it was only later I actually found out what happened, and nothing will change my view that there much happening than possibly even Kimi knew at the time. It was very disturbing and wrong on so many levels & isn't it strange that despite everything they've tried since has not worked & returning Kimi in 2014 as a no2 was even more insulting and they will rue 2018 forever because even at 39 he could have won that year with the right support instead of that clown Vettel.
@@theelf152 You are right. 2018 they should have backed Kimi instead of Vettel.
Honeslty Lotus
3rd place basically 2 years in a row with that car is worth like all hamiltons titles with mercedes
He was very consistent, and took advantage of kind the Lotus was on its tyres. He probably would have finished even higher in 2013 had he not missed the last two races.
@@FormulaPulse He might not have missed the last 2 races if :- 1.Lotus didn't carry on like a bunch of chumps eg - Alan Permane at India
2. Lotus paid him 18months back pay. 3. He didn't need surgery on his back !.-when you consider he delayed surgery in Singapore and drove an astonishingly rapid race after getting an injection from The Late Finnish doctor Ari Hintsa from Mclaren - Bless his soul!. A fact that got Martin Whitmarsh in hot water with Ron Dennis after Kimi dispensed with Button like a beginner and almost caught Hamilton at the end .4 Lotus starting favoring Grosjean (GoesWrong) - the only success he had in F1 was because he learned from the very best.
Lotus? Real Kimi shitbox is 2004 McLaren and 2009 Ferrari. The team name is bigger but Lotus is better car than those 2.
2005. His final win made him the Winningest Finn of all time.
1. Raikkonen 21 wins
2. Hakkinen 20 Wins
3. Bottas 10 wins
4. Keke 6 wins
5. Heikke 1 win
Thanks for watching! That's a great stat - and one that will not be beaten for a long time.
@@FormulaPulse Unless Alfa is a lot better than we think next few years lol
And now Valtteri has 10
@@jaribernini5772 Haha yeah maybe I spoke too soon 😅
HAH unlucky timing, it's 10 wins for bottas now
One race to define Kimi? Suzuka 05’
Fun fact: Kimi doesn’t understand why this video was made, and we love him for that.
😂
Really he seen the video?
After learning about Raikkonen’s McLaren career, from 2003-05, he was the fastest driver in the world. His pace back then was just scary. Learning about his bad luck in 05, I see his title win differently as he FINALLY won the championship after coming so close in 03 and 05.
Yes, at the time the story was mainly around Hamilton and Alonso, but it was a much deserved title win for Kimi after missing out twice before 🙂
2005 without a doubt. His win of the Japanese GP that year was one of the greatest drives by a driver ever!
Probably my favourite race of all time. That final lap overtake on Fisi was just amazing.
It's such a crime that Ferrari didn't produce a car that suited Kimi's driving style.
It really was, especially given how many seasons they worked together.
Well maybe 2018 but they already backed Vettel and history has proven what a big mistake that was. Also had Ferrari backed him in 2008 and not allow Michael to interfere with the 2008 development program I'm certain history would have been different 100%. And look what Karma has done to Ferrari since...
It has to be 2005 for me. That was the fastest Kimi has ever been, and some of his greatest drives were from 2003-2006. I still remember that fantastic Japan race. The only thing that ultimately lost him the title was the reliability issues. But overall, 7 wins and damn near world champion.
He was so good that year. Those drives through the pack, before DRS, were something special. 2006 was definitely an underrated season as well.
@@FormulaPulse 2006 he had opportunity to win 4 times at least also but sadly McLaren Reliability and Operational Reliability cost his those races, Bahrain Q1 2006, Rear Suspension explodes forcing him to start from last place 22nd, in era where overtaking was not as easy. Finished 18 seconds behind the winner in 3rd when was 20-25 seconds adrift end of lap 1, Monaco 2006, heat shield failure again terrible reliability from Mclaren in race and bad luck with safety car. Canada 2006, 1st pitstop issues when he was on track to jump Alonso in pits after staying out longer first stint.
Finally, China 2006 throttle linkage issues when running in 2nd place behind Alonso who hadn't stopped yet and who had problems later in race.
@@FormulaPulse Honestly Spa 2004 was an exceptionally under rated race. MS did not know where Kimi came from (post race press conf). Kimi was hit by Massa at the start from 10th ! Had gearbox issues mid race - drove around them (& a damaged floor) and decimated arguably one of the fastest Ferrari's in history. It was a lacklustre race but Kimi has often said that some of the best races dont look like much on the outside but when he / team have to work really hard for them they are good- I'm sure this was one of them!
Kimi on raw speed terms is one of the fastest in F1 history prime example of this is him have the 3rd most amount of fastest laps in F1 history only behind Schumi and Lewis both of whom have had much more faster and dominant cars than Kimi. Kimi you will be missed, long live the King of Spa and long live the Iceman.
Thanks for watching and the great comment. He'll definitely be missed 😭
Good catch on the Mansell error, really kicking myself over that one, but hope you enjoyed the video anyway!
Exactly.He has extraordinary feel for what a car is doing evidenced by his mm judgement when overtaking on the limit. No-one before or after him has that level of control on limit. I was blessed to have attended Melb 2013, when all the RB fans were giving me shit cheering him on starting 7th - but I knew he was on top of those complex shitty Pirelli's and boy did I give it back to about 100 of those guys. My friend who'd never exp F1 was stunned at my "gut feel". Boy did we have fun that day! Hamilton, Alonso could not believe his pace on 31 lap old tyres compared to next best on 15. & Kimis engineers was astonished that telemetry showed he only broke traction twice on a damp/drying track.
He might be just 1 time champion but he is one of the greatest driver of the sport. Truly a legend.
He'll be missed 🥲
Alonso Kimi Vettel and Valentino Rossi ..they have given us so much memories.they have raced without complaining in the worse cars in the worse of days.
2005 was his best
It's just incredible that Raikkonen and Alonso only have 3 WDC in total. They clearly are the best drivers in the last 18 years.
Crazy that either of them haven't won a title since '07 🤯 Kimi could have had two more in '05 and '03, and Fernando should really have at least two more titles!
@@FormulaPulse Kimi could take even more titles with Ferrari if he was treated the way he deserves
@Justin Y The Robber Alonso should not have had 2005.Did you think about that. Alonso did not pass a lowly 7th place Renault in 2010 - SO NO to that too .2012 -He ran into Kimi at Suzuka and popped his tyres - So no to that!. Whereas Kimi's many many mech failures in 2003-2005 definitely cost him easy championship in 2005 and almost certainly 2003.
Car matters much more in F1. Alonso didn't score points in Minardi. Fisichella was above Raikkonen in 2006 standings.
I think his 2005 season is honestly his best season.. Just the way he sometimes dominate weekends(sadly engine failures come to bite him),consistency and his racecraft was insane. Kimi's 05 season performance honestly one of the best non championship winning performances. It's up there with Alonso's 07,10 and 12 seasons,Hamilton 07 and 16 lastly Schumacher's 06 season. His 2007 season especially the 2nd half of the year was very much like his 2005 year,completely consistent from Magny Cour onwards and could have finished on the podium in those 10 race period if it wasn't for his retirement at the Nurburgring.
It's so hard to pick but the first 4 you picked were all phenomenal in their own way. 2012 for competing with a midfield car, 2007 for the close title clinch, 2005 and 2003 for the near wins that were plagued by unfortunate circumstances (he just needed to not blow up at the nurburgring and he would have won 03)
Thanks for watching! Yes it's really tough to pick, although nostalgia leant me more towards 05 😅
I really would have liked to see Kimi driving the new 2022 cars. However, after 19 seasons i guess he deserves rest from F1.
Underrated channel , absolutely love the content
Thanks, great to hear 🙏
I agree, and you've said it brilliantly: 05 was the peak of the iceman. That season is his referencepoint. He was almost frightening in that dark McLaren.
That year was just car and driver in perfect alignment.
What kind of a question is this?? Kimi is always at his best.
Definitely 2005! He was so great to watch that year!
5:35 Mansel was not driving in 1998.
But what a story Raikkonen had. We are going to miss the Iceman a lot…
There won't be another like him that's for sure.
Good spot, I got my years mixed up in the voiceover 😅 Kicking myself over that one.
I’ll never forget I went WOWWWW watching Kimi passed Giancarlo on the final lap of Suzuka 05 live on TV.
Such a goosebumps moment!
My names shaaban and im from Turkey and my vote; 2005 season i almost watched every circuit and i cant forgot the europian grand prix.. last lap drama.. so emotional.
That one was hard to take. I was so sure he would hang on to win that one.
This might be the best video about Kimi out here! Good job!
05 for sure was the best season but the 2007 vengaence against luck wasn't bad either.
Long live to the Iceman!
Thanks, great to hear!
Ahhh gonna miss that chatter box.
Me too man 😭
Nice vid! Great content. Keep this up!
We all are gonna miss him.
What do you think Kimi's best year was? I had a hard time choosing between '03 and '05 in particular 😅
Those McLaren years were incredible. Just bad luck, that he didn't win the title there. And the comeback was great too! Nobody expected results that good. Not even his employer...
2005
2005 IMO
Why did you have a hard time choosing 05 over 03?
@@elliotttalksf1825 In '03 he had to be so consistent to keep the title fight alive. McLaren didn't have the best car but he kept dragging out great results, especially with Schumacher winning so many races. And he ended up closer than '05, and might have the title if not for reliability issues.
Been a fan of kimi since i have watched F1, will be missed a lot.
Great analysis. For me ´05 was simply perfect
Thanks for watching! He was on great form that year, just a shame the car kept letting him down.
I’m glad you incorporated 2018. He wasn’t in his prime but he was still Kimi Räikkönen. He was one of the best drivers that year and brought the fight to the faster Mercedes. In my opinion 2018 for Kimi was that 2006 Schumacher type season… he ended his stint near the front brilliantly
I'm sad that he's finally retiring, but I am also grateful to be able to witness him racing at Formula 1. Such a great driver coupled with hilarious personality, a unique driver that sadly we might never see the likes of him again next season onwards.
There'll never be another like him 🥲
A lot of work went into this video. Hats off, great video!!
2013 performance was underrated too. He had mechanical issues and “other” issues with the team a lot. The car couldn’t perform well after tyre rule changes in the middle of the season. He even hasn’t raced like 2 or 3 races that season. Still he was close to finish 3rd at the championship.
Good shout, just a shame the whole thing went so sour that year. I thought he had a chance of the title after the first few rounds.
Formula Pulse Had he moved any team except Ferrari in 2014, he would’ve had a slightly better career for the last 8 years. I also think if he stayed at Mclaren in 2007, he would’ve won the championship with a minimum 10 points difference. He became a world champion driver with his going to Ferrari decision. But if he stayed at Mclaren, he could’ve maybe had more… We could say the same thing for Fernando’s decisions of going to Mclaren 2 times. 😆 Both drivers suffered from bad decisions.
Definitely, was saying on another post how crazy it is they only had 3 titles between them 🤯
I was very surprised to see you only had 800 subs when I ended the video. Jesus christ what a quality video!
Awesome to hear 🙏 we're pretty new and hoping to keep growing
Superb video! well researched, well presented and a pleasure to watch
Thanks for watching, really pleased you enjoyed it!
Cheers for the video mate, nice work. Love Kimi coming from Schumi superfan
This had me crying for some reason
Started watching in 2003. Ferrari will always be my favorite team (because i was 7 then and all supercars are ferrari) but kimi (2003-2005 peak) is my favorite driver of all time. He managed to bring it to peak schumi and ferrari. Also "mclaren-mercedes" just sounds so damn cool like "scuderia ferrari-marlboro"
If you liked this video, you might also be interested in our look at Nico Hulkenberg's career and why he never lived up to his potential - th-cam.com/video/IxX5TcK8IrM/w-d-xo.html
Great video, really enjoyed it - also made me a bit misty eyed! It's made me want to watch some of his quali laps in the McLarens. Watching him at Suzuka in 2002 qualifying was crazy. The confidence he had to take such speed into corners was bordering on insanity, and i will always love that about early Kimi. To think certain people around f1 were dead against him driving for Sauber all those years ago, i wonder what they think now.
Thanks for the video. Hope there's many more to come. 👍
His best years where in mclaren dispite not winning a championship he showed he was ice cold af
great video!
He was at his peak between 2003 and 2008.
That's one Brilliant video mate....
Very rarely do one see a neutral take on Kimi's career focusing on his pace as most of the new fans and youtubers portray him as the "funny radio guy".
Earned yourself a new subscriber...
And one of my personal favourite from his Sauber return years is 2020 Mugello.
Where he jumped from p11 to p8 on the final restart and stayed ahead of both factory ferraris on track while building a 5 second gap to seb to cover his pit entey penalty and still finish p9 all while driving a damaged Sauber from the first lap melee....
He was setting 6-7 personal best laps one after the other, trying to deny leclerc from getting into his drs range....
That was just magic kimi and the final time I've seen him push a damaged car beyond it's limit consistently lap after lap....
That's awesome feedback, thank you 🙏
I think it's a shame that's the perception of him now, because he was so good in his prime.
Wish I'd included that Mugello example now, completely slipped my mind when thinking of his recent successes!
Suzuka ‘05. One of my favorite performances of all time.
’05 hands down. I remember in post-race press conf Peter Windsor calling Kimis win in Monaco demoralizing to his opponents. And of course who can forget Suzuka.
That Monaco lap was unreal. Alonso's time was pretty special and then Kimi just blew it out of the water.
Great video! But you mixed up the silverstone and france results in 2005
Thanks man!
I am so gutted I didn't catch that mistake!
2003 2005 2007 2012 2013 2018 the best seasons but also the 2004's spa victory was wonderful
A legend signs off 😎
He'll be missed 🥲
@@FormulaPulse I met some people from Finland many years ago on vacation…… they told me that Kimi by far is the most popular person in Finland by wide margin 😎
Has to be 2005. 7 wins, lost three almost guaranteed victories (both Germanies and San Marino), his pace was unreal. As a McLaren fan, I will never stop to regret that his name is not carved next to 2005 title.
If only McLaren would have given Kimi a reliable car he would be atleast 2 time champion if not even 3 time.
He was completely brilliant in 2005 and should have won at least two more World Championships - such a shame that McLaren was so unreliable for him. Legend gets thrown around a lot, but Kimi Raikkonen is a legend.
To be honest it would have been way better for ferrari to keep Kimi and sign Charles. The two would for me be one of the best lineups in f1
That would have been awesome!
He will be missed. Good luck Kimi!
I mean the 2005 season was legendary in terms of pure driving performance despite the 2nd place in championship, but the fact that after 2 years of rallying he manages to end up in 3rd place in 2012 championship standings while driving a fucking Lotus is almost as unbelievable to me.
It was like he hadn't even been away! Four races in he was back on the podium in Bahrain.
Great summary, nice video. Was really enjoyable to watch.
Videos like this for other drivers?
Thanks, great feedback!
I have some ideas. Trying to do a mix of legends/current driver content.
Anyone in particular you'd like to see?
@@FormulaPulse I wanted to say Fernando Alonso, but his career isn't close to being over and I'm hoping for an insane comeback with the new regulations.
If you haven't done videos on Massa, JPM, Häkkinen, Rosberg, Webber, Barichello or maybe less popular drivers like Kovalainen, Trulli, Sutil or Heidfeld. These drivers come to mind.
I have this one on Alonso's comeback (not the best audio quality as it was one of my first videos) th-cam.com/video/MrbDcgjPJMo/w-d-xo.html
Some great choices in there. Hakkinen is one I'd like to cover, and some of those like JPM and Barrichello would make great "should have been champion" style videos. Eddie Irvine's 1999 season is another I'd like to cover.
@@FormulaPulse Plans sound great. Newcomers to the sport should really enjoy your videos, easy to understand and informative. Kudos for subtitles as well.
@@Mandarin9900 that's good to hear on the subtitles. I was wondering if it was worth uploading them or not, so it's good to hear they are worth it!
"Ice cubes", that was very cute. :)
Ha, I thought so too, it's what Kimi calls them on his Instagram.
STEERING WHEEL GLOVES AND STEERING WHEEL YEAH YEAH hey HEY! STEERING WHEEL somebody tell him to give it to me COME ON MOVE
Kimi's 2012 Season was Something Else
Kimi in the cockpit :"I'm speed"
Sir kimi!
16 days of drinking and then finishing on the podium. What a legend.
Those five were his best seasons for sure, but as the very best I wouldn't choose 2005 but 2012, because his comeback from rally to formula car racing (a completely different kind of motorsport) was more than impressive, and what he made with that Lotus was really a miracle. So for me: 2012, then 2003, then 2005, then 2007, and no.5 is 2018.
I think it shows how great Kimi's career has been that there are so many seasons you can make a case for as being his best. He was able to adapt his style so quickly in 2012 - and he came so close to winning in Bahrain in his fourth race back.
My favourite driver on the grid, so sad to see him go and the fact he did not get the respect he deserved in the second stint at Ferrari seen as he is still their last world champion!
Signing off at Alfa was a nice wind down to a top career though.
I don't think we'll see another like him. That is the one shame for me that he never had the car for more success after he left Lotus in 13.
@@FormulaPulse yeah looked so promising after lotus too, such a shame one of the greats no doubt🙌🏾
hopefully newer drivers like Charles get more respect from Ferrari in future
@@arjunsandhu7747 I hope so, for me Charles will be in the hunt next year but we'll see!
Pls come back. It's been too long....
Great video, but I have to correct you. He finished 2nd at Magny-Cours 2005 and 3rd at Silverstone 2005, not the other way around
Thanks for watching! Good catch, kicking myself over that one. I also mispoke on the year of Mansell's debut win for Ferrari.
I'll just say I'm trying to keep my viewers on their toes 😅
Undoubtedly 2005. Unbelievably quick with McLarens.
Agreed, he was amazing that season.
2005 is Kimi's best season
i miss kimi
Correction, Nigel Mansel’s first season with Ferrari was in 1989 not 1998. In 1998 he was in BTCC.
Nice catch. I misspoke in the voiceover 🤦♂️ but it's correct in the subtitles at least 😅
he was the best or equal best of his era - the tyre war refueling sprint era of F1 - 2001 to 2005.
They were some great years with Kimi, Fernando, Michael and Juan battling it out 🔥
Hard to pick single one, but I think he was briliant in 2006, just the car was not quick enough to show his true form that year.... fantastic long stints in Bahrain to put him on the podium from back of the grid, amazing race start in spain and briliant drive the whole race. He was probably quickest in Monaco, just did not have the clean track and we know what happened after his DNF, briliant podiums in GBR, CAN, GER with the car that probably should not have been there. Briliant pole positions in Hockenheim and Monza, stunning start and wet drive in China until his car broke once again. I think his 2006 performace was at least as good as 2005. Definitely should have been in this top 5 list.
That's definitely an underrated season, with some great moments in there.
I couldn't cover every season in detail, and that season has the unlucky positioning of being between his mega year in 05 and the title win in 07.
But definitely agree that he was great the season, albeit somewhat under the radar.
2003 & 2005. And end of 2007, beginning of 2008.
2003-2006 his peak. 2005 his best season
Agree with this, as some have said, even of 2006 was quite an underrated season.
@@FormulaPulse Absolutely. He was still putting in top drawer performances despite how bad the 2006 McLaren was
My favorite moment was when the rain master was chasing chasing kimi and could not catch him
You know what upsets me?. Had those Mclaren held together and he won at least 2005 .He may have stayed at Mclaren in 2007. Which means we would have witnessed the fastest driver pairing since Senna/Prost - I'm 100% certain. I think Kimi and Lewis would have been out of this world !-they are the fastest drivers since the turn of the century and Lewis just took over where Kimi left off. Would be sensational wins all the way through to 2010.
For me 2018 is one of his best season
"mrrph"
- Kimi Raikkonen
2003/2005 kimi was the fastest driver i have ever seen
He was so good those years. Really deserved at least one of those titles.
You are making this video cuz he is still in his prime
Kernel kimi!
2005, OBVIOUSLY...
2005. Wasn’t overtaken all season. Only lost due to reliability.
"You mean the slow button?"
Wins with jenny: 20
With minttu: 1
That's one stat I definitely overlooked 🤣
2005 was the best.
The Sauber years... thats his break in f1
He was so impressive in that first season. No surprise that McLaren took notice.
2005 was his best.
Agreed, that was an awesome season
@@FormulaPulse yeah. He would get his championship if not such badluck with car reliability
Bwoahh
Bwoahh!
Bruh, kimi did actually need the drincc.
Yes
#Retire44
13 people wants to keep the steering wheel
Meme, the term coined by Richard Dawkins as a way to pass on information that is subject to evolution without the use of genetic material. Did you use the term correctly or did you just mean joke?
Of course 2005