"Only silent films": Oscar winner Travon Free describes conversation about movies with Kimi Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen and Travon Free at the Mexican Grand Prix. Taken from @alfaromeoracing on Twitter.
Kimi Raikkonen and Travon Free at the Mexican Grand Prix. Taken from @alfaromeoracing on Twitter.

In a recent episode of the WTF1 podcast, Oscar-winning actor, writer, and comedian Travon Free described a conversation he had with Kimi Raikkonen about film and movie-making.

Free spoke about meeting Kimi Raikkonen at the Mexican Grand Prix. The two discussed movies and film-making, with the Finnish driver showing a deep interest in the subject. Pointing out Raikkonen's enthusiasm despite claims of him being "grumpy" and "quiet", Free said:

"He was, like, asking me all these things about how movies work, and different aspects of Hollywood. I asked him, 'Would you ever like to be in or do a cameo in a movie?' and he said, 'only a silent film!'"

In what followed, WTF1 founder Tom Bellingham joked about a possible next project for the writer - a Kimi Raikkonen silent film.

Free was introduced to F1 by fellow comedian Trevor Noah, who is good friends with defending world champion Lewis Hamilton.

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Free also commented on the impact of Netflix's hugely popular docudrama series Drive to Survive on F1 and how it has piqued the interest of American audiences, saying:

"I think Drive to Survive has done a huge service to the States because now you just see so many more people wearing F1 gear around the place. That was just not a thing, I had never seen that."

Kimi Raikkonen has out-scored both McLaren drivers in 2021's final triple-header

In the final triple-header of the 2021 F1 season, comprising the Mexican, Brazilian and Qatar Grands Prix, the Iceman outscored the entire McLaren team in a car that is considerably slower.

The team from Woking has struggled with speed and consistency, with Lando Norris finishing P10 in Mexico and Brazil, followed by a P9 finish in Qatar. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo suffered a DNF in Mexico and Brazil, and ended up P12 in Qatar last Sunday. The Australian didn't contribute a single point to his team over the entire triple-header.

Kimi Raikkonen, on the other hand, found pace in his Alfa Romeo, finishing in P8 in Mexico. The 42-year old then bagged P12 in Brazil and P14 in Qatar, bringing his points tally over the three races to four points.

By comparison, both McLaren drivers collectively scored a total of just three points.

Nicknamed "The Iceman" for being calm under pressure and having a penchant for curt, one-line responses, Raikkonen is set to retire after the 2021 season. Over a nearly 20-year career, he won 21 races from 103 attempts, picking up the World Drivers' Championship for Ferrari in 2007.

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