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Kimi Raikkonen has recalled the moment he realised that Max Verstappen was destined to achieve greatness in Formula 1.
Raikkonen, 46, is one of the best drivers of his generation, having raced for teams like Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus and Alfa Romeo.
During a career that spanned more than 15 years, Raikkonen’s highlight came in 2007, when he won the F1 world title as a Ferrari driver, beating Lewis Hamilton by just one point.
The Finn ended his career in 2021 after a tough season with Alfa Romeo.
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Kimi Raikkonen recalls the exact moment he realised Max Verstappen was a ‘star’
Speaking recently to journalist Leo Turrini, Raikkonen recalled the moment he realised Verstappen was destined to become one of F1’s best ever drivers.
Raikkonen had the best view in the house when Verstappen won his first F1 race on his Red Bull debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
The Dutchman took the chequered flag ahead of Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. Since then, Verstappen has gone on to win four world titles.
When asked who is currently the strongest driver on the grid, Raikkonen said: “Verstappen! I saw him arrive in F1 during my second stint at Ferrari.
“Max is a phenomenon. He won his first race in Spain right in front of me, ten years ago. There I realised a star was born.”
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Speaking after the race in 2016, Raikkonen made a ‘scary’ verdict on Verstappen’s maiden win, touching on the fact that he raced against the Red Bull star’s father, Jos.
Raikkonen said: “We all know he is a good driver and he’s in a good team now.
“When it comes to youngest and oldest, it happens to be like that. I raced against his father. That actually sounds even more scary. In F1! That’s how it goes.”
In recent months, Verstappen has constantly been linked with a move away from Red Bull and even the sport of F1.
It is no secret that Verstappen is not a fan of the sport’s new regulations and has previously threatened to walk away from F1.
Looking ahead, efforts must be made to keep the Dutchman wanting to return to F1.
It will be a huge blow for the sport if Verstappen, at the age of just 28, is lured away by other forms of motorsport.
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