Raikkonen ‘hasn’t changed’ mindset following last lap incident in Sochi

Following a last lap collision of the Russian Grand Prix that saw Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas wreck while battling for a podium, the 2007 Formula One champion maintained his stance on the racing incident during a press conference leading up to the United States Grand Prix.

“Well it hasn’t changed,” said Raikkonen. “Obviously there were some discussions and penalties given to me, but I would still do it tomorrow again, that doesn’t change the story. Unfortunately, we came together in the end and we both lost a bit, but that’s life, that’s racing.

“I don’t feel bad about it and if somebody feels that, it’s up to them. It’s OK for me. Like I said, I would still do the same thing next time and maybe it goes better.”

The incident forced Bottas out of the race and out of the points, while Raikkonen finished fifth but was later
penalized and slid down to eighth.

Bottas shared his thoughts on the collision and is prepared to move forward from it.

For me it’s the same really,” said Bottas. “It was a good weekend until the last lap, so of course disappointing to lose the points but my opinion hasn’t changed. I wouldn’t do anything different and it’s now history, so I’m 100 per cent ready to move on.”

Image: Ferrari

About Joey Barnes 600 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.

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