“It’s easy to do mistakes and even a small one can have big consequences” – Raikkonen
Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen says he’s excited to “use every bit of track to the walls” this weekend for round 5 of the 2021 season.
Proceedings kick off on Thursday with Free Practice at the historic street circuit located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco.
The extremely challenging track is sure to throw a few surprises our way, and Raikkonen says everyone will be on the lookout for those “small mistakes” that “give opportunities” for a re-shuffled Sunday grid.
Speaking ahead of the action, the Finnish driver said; “Monaco is a challenging track for drivers, even though everything happening in the background doesn’t really affect us.
“When you’re in the cockpit, it’s very much a weekend like any other. You need confidence around this place if you want to have a good lap, you have to trust your car and yourself as you need to use every bit of track to the walls.
“It’s easy to do mistakes and even a small one can have big consequences: at the same time, this can give opportunities as there are many elements that can shake up the order on Sunday.”
His teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, says he’s excited to return to Monaco for the second time in his Formula One career.
“Of all weekends in the year, this is one of the most special ones”, he said.
“There is a different atmosphere around town and, with most drivers knowing the place so well, there is an added challenge in keeping the focus towards the track and the track only.
“It’s definitely a different weekend than usual! I only raced here once in Formula One, but I knew the track from my experience in junior formulas and it’s a big test for the driver.
“We need to be ready to make the most of every opportunity and maximise the potential of our car. You never know what can happen during a race here.”
Free Practice kicks off at 10:30 am Irish time on Thursday, May 20.
