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George Russell explained why the modern F1 fans would not like Kimi Raikkonen. Speaking about the former driver's "cold" nature, the Mercedes driver stated that fans would not have liked him because of the aforementioned criteria.
Raikkonen, the 2007 F1 champion, is known for his 'cold' and chilled-out personality. Known as 'The Iceman', the Finnish driver always stayed away from controversy and the limelight. On top of that, he was far from being tech savvy, which could have been a big factor these days, reckoned Russell.
"Kimi Raikkonen was such an incredible personality," Russell said, via grandprix.com. "But if he were to enter Formula 1 today as an 18-year-old, people would probably be unhappy if he didn't use social media or was cold. That's the challenge we live with today."
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Following this, the Briton touched upon why it was important to remain connected with the fans:
"Ultimately, the fans who watch Formula 1 and follow me are the ones who make the sport what it is. That's why sponsors pay money to be part of the team - and that's how I earn my living. You can't bite the hand that feeds you. You have to understand that times are changing."
Kimi Raikkonen raced in F1 from 2001 to 2021, where he racked up 353 entries, picking up a championship, 21 wins, and 103 podiums. He raced for renowned teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo.
George Russell on his future with Mercedes: "Nothing is certain"
George Russell shared that his future with Mercedes was uncertain despite being the undisputed leader at the team. Speaking to the German media giant, formel1.de, the #63 driver stated:
"No, it's not certain. Nothing is certain. But if I stay with Mercedes, next year will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come. You just have to make sure you keep performing consistently, keep delivering. And what happens then—that remains to be seen."
George Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 to race alongside Lewis Hamilton. He replaced Valtteri Bottas and has been with the Silver Arrows ever since. Currently, he is in his fourth year with the team and is racing alongside Kimi Antonelli.
The British driver is in P4 of the Drivers' championship with 111 points after nine races and two Sprints. Thanks to four podiums, Russell is 63 points ahead of his teammate, Antonelli. Russell's team, Mercedes, is in third place in the Constructors' championship with 159 points. They trail McLaren and Ferrari with 203 and six points, respectively.
