WATCH: Unseen Footage Shows Kimi Raikkonen Pushing a Photographer Away in Anger

Prior to the start of the 2008 British Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen was involved in a minor altercation. While he was preparing for the race, a cameraman got a little too close to him, so the Finn shoved him away.

On the outside, it may have seemed a bit rude of the defending champion. However, he had a couple of good reasons for his drastic actions.

It more than likely meant that he needed some personal space and the photographer was invading it. According to Finnish television station MTV3, Kimi Raikkonen was infuriated when Frenchman Paul-Henri Cahier got too close before stepping on his equipment to take his photo.

Fortunately, Cahier opted not to take legal action against the Finnish Ferrari driver. Kimi Raikkonen had qualified 3rd at the time, and finished the race in 4th, behind Lewis Hamilton, Nick Heidfeld and Rubens Barrichello.

Ferrari called his actions “understandable” and blamed Cahier for standing of Kimi’s stuff despite being warned.

“He did not push Cahier too hard: the photographer fell down because he was in an unbalanced position,” the team said.

Cahier denied touching any of Kimi’s equipment – but didn’t take any actions against Ferrari or Kimi Raikkonen.

Now, 11 years later, Raikkonen is in the twilight of his career, and racing for Alfa Romeo. The veteran turned 40 a few days ago and is very much F1’s old guard. He also happens to be one of the most popular Formula One drivers on the current grid.

Raikkonen stands out now as the seasoned veteran who, after Michael Schumacher and Pedro De La Rosa, is only the third active driver to hit 40 this millennium.

He has 308 races under his belt along with the 2007 title and he continues to race hard to this day. Kimi not only has 21 race wins and one world championship – but also that notorious, frequently dismissive, one-of-a-kind personality off it.