Raikkonen set for flawless F1 comeback season with Lotus
Kimi Raikkonen is on the brink of finishing every race in his 2012 Formula One return, a rare feat that highlights both his consistency and Lotus's reliability.
Kimi Raikkonen is poised to complete his 2012 Formula One comeback with a perfect finishing record, having crossed the line in every Grand Prix so far this season for Lotus. With just one race left, the Finn is set to become the first driver since Nick Heidfeld in 2008 to finish every race in a full F1 season.
Raikkonen's achievement stands out in a year marked by retirements and reliability issues up and down the grid. His run of classified finishes underlines both his measured driving style and the durability of the Lotus E20, a car that has rarely let him down despite the team's limited resources compared to the front-runners.
After a two-year absence from Formula One, during which he competed in the World Rally Championship, Raikkonen's return was met with scepticism in some quarters. Yet he has delivered consistently, scoring points at almost every round and clinching victory in Abu Dhabi. His performance has ensured a likely third place in the drivers' standings, behind only the dominant Red Bull and Ferrari drivers.
A rare feat in modern F1
Finishing every race in a season is increasingly rare in the era of close competition and complex technology. Raikkonen's run puts him in a select group; only a handful of drivers have managed it since the turn of the century. The last to do so was Nick Heidfeld, who completed every race for BMW Sauber in 2008.
Lotus's reliability has been a key factor, with the E20 chassis suffering only minor technical issues and no race-ending failures for Raikkonen. This consistency has allowed the team to challenge for podiums and even a race win, despite not matching the outright pace of Red Bull or McLaren.
Raikkonen’s approach and Lotus’s progress
Raikkonen has attributed the record to both his driving and the team's preparation. "Our record shows that the team can build a reliable car and that I know how to drive it," he said. His pragmatic attitude has been a hallmark throughout his career, with the Finn repeatedly citing "Never give up" as his guiding principle.
For Lotus, the 2012 season marks a return to form after several challenging years. The combination of Raikkonen’s experience and the E20’s reliability has lifted the team back into contention for podiums, and provided a foundation for further development in 2013.
- Raikkonen’s only non-scoring result was in China, where he finished 14th after tyre issues.
- He scored points in 18 out of 19 races.
- Lotus secured their first win since 1987 with Raikkonen’s Abu Dhabi victory.
Looking ahead to 2013
Raikkonen’s comeback season has underlined his reputation for consistency and speed. With Lotus aiming to build on this year’s reliability, both team and driver will be looking to convert more opportunities into wins in 2013. For now, Raikkonen’s perfect finishing record stands as a reminder that experience and resilience remain vital assets in Formula One.
