2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen sees “encouraging indicators” from Ferrari, with the Maranello-based workforce having began the 2026 season in a distinct vogue in comparison with final yr, regardless of nonetheless trailing benchmark outfit Mercedes.
Ferrari have now gone with out a drivers’ title since 2007, when the Finn capitalised on Lewis Hamilton’s late heartbreak in Brazil on the last race of the season to safe the primary and solely world championship of his profession. Issues haven’t been significantly better on the constructors’ aspect both, with Ferrari nonetheless chasing a title that has eluded the workforce since 2008 – one other dramatic finale at Interlagos, though this time it was Hamilton who had the final giggle in opposition to the Scuderia.
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The Finn loved two separate spells at Ferrari, first racing for the Scuderia from 2007 to 2009 earlier than briefly stepping away from to deal with rallying. He later returned to Maranello from 2014 to 2018, though that second stint proved far much less profitable, together with his victory in Austin in 2018 standing out as the primary spotlight earlier than transferring to Alfa Romeo for the ultimate chapter of his profession.
Since then, a number of high-profile names have adopted in Raikkonen’s footsteps at Ferrari, together with Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc – regardless of the Monegasque not but turning into world champion – and most just lately Lewis Hamilton. For now, nonetheless, the Italian workforce nonetheless seem unable to constantly struggle for titles, though 2024 marked the primary season in years by which Ferrari genuinely battled for the Constructors’ Championship earlier than in the end dropping out to McLaren on the last race in Abu Dhabi.
Picture: Race Footage
Picture: Race Footage
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Raikkonen spots mild on the finish of Ferrari’s title drought
Talking to Quotidiano Nazionale, Raikkonen admitted he had hoped Ferrari would discover a new world champion quickly after his departure on the finish of 2018. Whereas the Scuderia are nonetheless ready to finish that drought, the 2007 world champion revealed he has began to see encouraging indicators from the Maranello-based outfit.
“Once I left the Scuderia on the finish of 2018, I hoped the workforce would shortly discover my successor within the championship file books. That also hasn’t occurred, however from afar I can see encouraging indicators.”
Hamilton and Leclerc shocked by Ferrari’s first EV automobile: ‘I like that electrical sound!’
Ferrari’s first-ever absolutely electrical supercar has already change into one of the vital talked-about automotive launches of the yr, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of the groundbreaking new EV.
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Leclerc admitted the silence contained in the cockpit initially felt uncommon for a Ferrari, though each drivers praised the unreal sound generated in efficiency mode for serving to keep a connection between driver and automobile. The Monegasque additionally highlighted the quantity of recent expertise packed into the venture, acknowledging how vital the transition to a totally electrical Ferrari is for the model.
Picture: Race Footage
Picture: Race Footage
Hamilton, in the meantime, was notably impressed by the automobile’s stability and low centre of gravity, explaining that the EV remained extremely planted by corners with nearly no physique roll. The Briton additionally praised the simulated shifting expertise, describing it as a novel function that stored the driving sensation participating regardless of the absence of a combustion engine. Leclerc concluded by stressing that the Ferrari nonetheless delivers the particular feeling historically related to the model, regardless of getting into a totally new period with an all-electric supercar.
