Schumacher Slams ‘Senseless’ Raikkonen for Vettel F1 Crash at Austrian GP

Two days after the race, the shock waves of the Austrian Grand Prix are still making themselves felt. It was an event one can’t help but re-watch and re-analyze, and that’s exactly what Ralf Schumacher did. The younger brother of F1 legend Michael Schumacher gave his two cents on the Raikkonen-Vettel incident at the end of the race.

The German, who drove with Raikkonen for seven years before retiring in 2007, called his driving “embarrassing.” Speaking to Sky Germany, as quoted by Sport1.de, he said, “That was totally senseless from Kimi. He just drove straight into his [Vettel’s] car. What he did was embarrassing.”

Raikkonen had a fairly decent race in the Alfa Romeo right until the crash, after which he was awarded a 20-second time penalty. Vettel wasn’t too affected by it, putting it aside as a misunderstanding.

What’s next for Raikkonen?

The Formula One veteran has had some unbelievable years behind him. Being a former world champion, with 21 victories and 103 podiums and still race on today’s grid is no easy feat. Least bothered about what’s going on around him, Raikkonen’s well-deserved nickname- the Iceman holds true. Nonetheless, Raikkonen is a beast on track and his never-say-die attitude gives him the reputation of the great driver he is today.

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Raikkonen’s fearless driving as a rookie, and his skillful overtaking, set in stone what a great driver the Finn would be. His most recent victory as the 2018 US GP, only shows that the Raikkonen of old is still present and ready to charge. In the Austrian GP, Raikkonen’s Alpha Romeo was so close to the points, as he and Vettel disputed for P12 before the crash. Being mere seconds away from a P10, it only shows that the sparks of the skilled driver are still kindling and are far from being extinguished this season.

The enigma of the Iceman is beyond the understanding of anyone. After being in the game for almost two decades, it may be time for the veteran to look at an alternative future. He once mentioned being too old for the fast life to a Spanish newspaper. “One side is the racing, but the rest is because I am getting old. That is always the case with something physical.” The 41-year-old may soon look to an easier life outside the sport.

Ralph Schumacher’s comments on Raikkonen’s driving can be responded to in true Raikkonen style, with reference to the Finn’s most famous moment on the airwaves: “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.” 

Watch story: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track