Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen started from the front row of the Russian Grand Prix and by the time the 52 lap event came to a close, he found himself in third position with a place on the podium. Fellow Finn Valtteri Bottas won the race and with Kimi on the third step it became the first that two Finnish racers stood on the podium at the same since 2008. (Kimi and Heikki Kovalainen 2008 Malaysian and Hungarian GP's).
It was also the first time Kimi has stood on the podium in 15 races (Austria 2016) and the 85th podium finish of his career. He also set the fastest lap of the race, and a new record for the Sochi Autodrom and the 45th of his career.
While he was hoping to finish a little higher up than third, Kimi admitted that his start could have been better as he was swamped by both mercedes off the line and only just managed to stay in front of Lewis Hamilton at the first corner.
From there he had the car underneath him to stay ahead of Hamilton and was never really challenged.
“Overall, it has been a more positive weekend compared to the first three races. I was happier with the car and when I needed to push I could get the lap time out. The race was decided at the start and I had a pretty bad one. I thought I was losing a lot, but I managed to get the position back and stay there,” he said.
“My car was good all the way through the race, but after that, not a lot happened. We tried our best but there was not much to do, I was just holding my position. So, obviously, I'm happy for the podium, but I'm disappointed to lose a place at the start instead of gaining one. Now we need to keep working; small details can make a big difference in the end. I'm very happy for Valtteri who won his first race, I'm sure he will have a bright future.”
