Raikkonen makes first visit to Lotus Renault factory

Kimi Raikkonen visited the Lotus Renault GP factory in Enstone for the first time on Friday. The newly-signed Finnish driver was greeted by team boss Eric Boullier and Chairman Gérard Lopez, before being taken on an in-depth tour of the facility.

"It is my first time in Enstone," Raikkonen explained. "It is very nice to see the factory – it feels good. It is a very warm feeling and I’m very relaxed. I haven’t really read the newspapers about all the excitement (of returning next season) but it is quite normal, isn’t it? It doesn’t put any more pressure on me.

"I always try to do my best, so I don’t put myself under pressure. It will be exciting, yes, but no pressure really and we will see how it goes."

Raikkonen also attended his maiden event as a Lotus Renault GP driver in the evening, with BBC F1 presenter Jake Humphrey hosting the team’s Christmas party.