The First Time with Kimi Raikkonen
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| The first thing Kimi Raikkonen did this morning was wake up |
2014 has been a year of firsts for Kimi Raikkonen, and not all of them wanted – his return to Ferrari marked his first winless Formula One season since 2006, and his first without a podium since his maiden year in 2001.
As the Finn refocuses for 2015, determined to help the Scuderia become a front-running force once more, we asked him about some of the other firsts in his life – including why he never bothered with childhood heroes, how his first big crash came in one of his first F1 tests, and why he quickly established as a child that ice hockey wasn't for him…
Who was your first hero when you were a child?
Kimi Raikkonen: I never had any heroes. That's not for me.
What was the first Grand Prix you can remember watching?
KR: I don't know the year, but it was in the times when Keke Rosberg was driving – and then when [Mika] Hakkinen was racing. Of course you are interested when you see that some of your compatriots are racing.
How old were you when you first decided you wanted to be an F1 driver?
KR: I wanted to do many things when I was a kid. And making it into Formula One – I didn't really believe it was possible until I was 17 and had won some races.
When was your first big accident in a race car?
KR: It was with Sauber at a test. One of my first outings in a Formula One Car!
What colour was your first helmet?
KR: White – and off the shelf.
When did you win your first trophy in racing and what did it look like?
KR: No idea, but for sure it was small. And if I dug deep enough in my house I would probably find it.
What was the first road car you drove?
KR: It was a Lada – the family car.
Where was the first house you lived in?
KR: Of course, the family house in Espoo.
How nervous were you on your first day of school?
KR: I cannot remember. But for sure I have been nervous many times – also at school.
What was the first meal you ever cooked?
KR: I guess some pasta. For sure nothing complicated. (laughs)
What was the first thing you did this morning?
KR: Wake up!
What was the first thing you did after getting your first F1 seat?
KR: I was happy about it. I had done a test beforehand and was not sure if I had the seat – so I was just happy.
What was the first record you bought?
KR: It was a Guns N' Roses cassette.
What was the first sport you participated in as a kid?
KR: Very likely ice hockey. I think all boys in Finland play hockey at one point in their childhood. I stopped because I had to wake up so early in the morning for the training – that was not for me.
When was your first romantic kiss?
KR: Hah! I don't know. It must have been in school. That is way over 20 years ago…
When was the first time you were asked to sign an autograph for a fan?
KR: Maybe it was in Formula Renault.
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| Raikkonen's first win in Europe came at Spa in 2005 |
When did you first taste champagne?
KR: When I raced in Europe and won – whatever race. (Editor's note: Raikkonen's first career win was Malaysia in 2003. His first win in Europe was Spa in 2004. Photo to the right.)
Which would you eat first – a piece of fruit or a piece of chocolate?
KR: I am not into chocolate so much so very likely fruit. Candy would be a different matter… (laughs)
What was the first word you said as a baby?
KR: My parents have told me, but I don't remember. I am no good at remembering.