Kimi Raikkonen says he must win a race this season if he’s to have a shot at taking his second championship, otherwise it would take a “big drama” for him to beat Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
The Lotus driver currently sits third in the standings, just 45 points being the leader, despite having not won a race in 2012. His consistent run of points scoring finishes, an average of 10 per race with just one non-score, China, where he finished 14th, also means he’s the only driver to have finished every race this year on the lead lap.
This consistency gives the Finn hope that he can challenge for the title, but he insists a race win is a requirement.
“This year has been good for the team and we’re doing well in the Championship so I’m happy with where we are and think that we have a good chance to improve,” said Raikkonen.
“I think it’s very difficult to say,” he replied when asked if he could win the title without winning a race. “There are too many things that could happen over the next few races. I guess if you look at it mathematically then yes, I could, but personally I feel you have to win at least one race to make sure you are World Champion.
“There would have to be some big dramas if I were to take it from Fernando or Sebastian without winning a race, so all I can do is keep moving forward and trying to win. That’s all I set out to do anyway, every time I step into the car.”
