Video
MUST-SEE: Raikkonen makes up 10 positions on incredible opening lap in Portimao
Share
When conditions are tricky, experience counts, as F1’s record starts holder Kimi Raikkonen proved in Sunday’s inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, with the Iceman making up an incredible 10 positions in a dizzying opening lap.
Raikkonen lined up 16th on the grid in his Alfa Romeo, but with conditions extremely tricky – a low grip track surface exacerbated by a smattering of light rain – the Finnish driver made the most of his soft tyres as those around him struggled to fire up their mediums in the cool temperatures.
Finding grip where others couldn't, the 41-year-old turned back the years as he sailed past the likes of George Russell, Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon as he closed up to the race leaders.
The best start of the year? Probably.
Watch all the action in the video above!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
News ‘I had a few moments’ – Alonso opens up on past Red Bull talks and how he could have joined the squad
FeatureF1 Unlocked BARRETTO: How Franco Colapinto became an instant F1 hit – and what’s next for the Williams rookie
News Stella identifies the missed points in 2024 that McLaren and Norris 'regret' amid Verstappen championship fight
Podcast BEYOND THE GRID LEGENDS: Rubens Barrichello on following Senna, racing against Schumacher and his advice for Bortoleto