The much-awaited NASCAR Cup Series season race at Watkins Glen was definitely one of a kind. With Kimi Raikkonen debuting in the NASCAR Cup series and Kyle Larson running into Chase Elliott, the race made it to the headlines for various reasons.
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Intriguing and entertaining for all, the weather-delayed race was one that could not be missed. However, F1 enthusiasts were not that happy with NASCAR. The unfortunate run-in that Kimi Raikkonen had on the track left the F1 fans frustrated.
This is one reason why #NASCAR is stupid. The blue No 1 drove into the side of his car which caused the spin. And, this is typical; ie, smashup derby while racing.
— SuperFunker (@SuperFunker) August 22, 2022
F1 is vastly superior than this "sport"
— LeDumbass (@XiJinping9000) August 22, 2022
Driving the #91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, the 2007 F1 champion was pushed onto the tire barrier after the contact with the #27 of Loris Hezemans. Jammed-up in the bus-stop chicane, Kimi Raikkonen could not continue the race due to the damages suffered by his car. Finishing at the 37th position, he revealed he had no time to react to the situation.
READ MORE: “A Bit Different” – Kimi Raikkonen Reveals NASCAR Edges Over F1 in This One Crucial Aspect
Post-race, the Iceman called his experience at the NASCAR Cup Series “good fun.” But it seems that his supporters did not enjoy the event as much as he did. Unhappy with NASCAR rules that led to the dismissal of their favorite driver, F1 fans poured in their criticism on Twitter.
I'm surprised they can turn right
— Anti-Mbappe (@LhillPima) August 22, 2022
— Mat G (@SecretPenguinX) August 22, 2022
I love how @F1 is being broadcasted in 4K HDR and all that fancy stuff and they hardly get decent 720p…
— Ben (@Appleaner) August 22, 2022
Post a real sport
— dystainak (@dystainak) August 22, 2022
It is clear that the fans are majorly upset about NASCAR, allowing drivers to get rough and bump into each other on a comparatively wider track. Pulling down NASCAR by calling it not a ‘real sport’ and a ‘silly place,’ F1 fans couldn’t keep their calm. They posted the comments under a video shared by F1’s official Twitter handle.
What’s next for Kimi Raikkonen after his NASCAR debut?
The Watkins Glen NASCAR Cup Series race marked the return of Kimi Raikkonen on the track. Since his departure in 2021, this was the first time that Raikkonen drove for a team. A part of Trackhouse Racing Project91, the F1 champion did not reveal much about his future at NASCAR.
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However, he did not rule out the possibility of any future appearances.
With an unexpected debut race at Watkins Glen, Raikkonen currently does not have any future plans. NASCAR fans are eager to see if this experience has ticked him off or made him excited to get back on track again.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Reveals Biggest Concern With F1 Legend Kimi Raikkonen’s NASCAR Cameo: “I Hope I Don’t Junk His A**”
But until then, the Iceman might be taking care of his wrist that he hurt during the unfortunate incident at the NASCAR Cup series race.