2007 WDC champion, Kimi Raikkonen, who is fondly known as “The Iceman” on the grid, was Ferrari’s last WDC title. The Finnish driver has driven for teams like Lotus, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo. He is renowned for his performances under high pressure and smooth driving style. His nickname is a nod to his calm and collected driving.
After leaving Formula 1 in 2021, Raikkonen was sighted in Texas at the Circuit Of The Americas, and he outlined the differences he observed between NASCAR and F1.
Kimi Raikkonen on NASCAR vs F1
Raikkonen’s comments highlight the fundamental differences between Formula One and NASCAR, two of the most popular forms of motorsport racing. One of the main differences is the design of the cars themselves. In F1, the cars are open-wheeled, meaning that there is no bodywork covering the wheels. The ‘Iceman‘ stated that “People can actually overtake without DRS“. referring to the fact that NASCAR doesn’t make use of the drag reduction system.
The Iceman is coming! 🧊
Kimi Raikkonen will race for @TeamTrackhouse‘s @THProject91 in the NASCAR Cup Series at @WGI!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 26, 2022
This design makes the cars more aerodynamically efficient but also more fragile. Even minor contact between two cars in F1 can cause significant damage to the cars, which can affect their performance and speed. This makes drivers more cautious and less likely to take risks when overtaking, resulting in fewer opportunities for overtaking and less exciting racing.
In contrast, NASCAR cars have closed wheels, making them more robust and better able to withstand collisions. The rules in NASCAR are also more relaxed than in F1, allowing for more aggressive driving and closer racing. This, in turn, can make the races more exciting for fans, particularly in the final stages when drivers are battling for position.
The Iceman RETURNS!@F1’s Kimi Raikkonen will be back behind the wheel at @COTA!
DETAILS: https://t.co/9EfH1UowiQ pic.twitter.com/NJJ3weuhjC
— PROJECT91 (@THProject91) March 8, 2023
Raikkonen also addressed the issue of track design saying that In F1, some circuits are notoriously difficult for overtaking, with few opportunities for drivers to pass each other. This is partly due to the nature of the circuits themselves, which may have long straights followed by tight corners or narrow sections that make it difficult for cars to pass. In NASCAR, the track design is more focused on creating opportunities for overtaking, with tracks often featuring banked corners and long straights that allow drivers to gain speed and pass each other.
He continued by saying “Probably the most tricky corners for NASCAR, they’re not really for F1 cars because of the downforce,” and “It makes a huge difference in the track”.
He outlined the pros of having downforce in Formula 1 that helps to smoothen the ride quality through the bumps and crevices on the track. The aerodynamics ensure that the car sticks to the ground and does not lose its center of gravity.