Kimi Raikkonen wants a better Mexican Grand Prix than last year after crashing out early on in the race, and and is looking for a return to the podium for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix in July.
“Last year it was quite tricky here, the track was very slippery to start with, and then it obviously improved. We had a very difficult weekend, how’s going to be this year and where we’ll stand against the other teams we’ll find out from tomorrow. Hopefully we’ll be in a better position.”
Raikkonen struggled with the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez last year because of the low grip and high altitude, which affects the aerodynamics of the car. Mexico’s altitude could affect the car’s behaviour and physicality of the driver but all the drivers will be prepared for all different demands.
“It’s hard to know what to expect for this weekend. Physically I don’t really feel different, considering the altitude, but obviously the cars are working in a different way. The engine works slightly different and so do the wings as the downforce is reduced.”
The United Grand Prix was a difficult race for the Finnish driver after retiring midway through the race, the loss of points dropped him behind his team-mate in the championship.
Scuderia Ferrari should hope for a stronger weekend than last year’s race after both drivers failed to be classified which was the first time both Ferrari drivers were unclassified since the 2006 Australian Grand Prix.