Kimi Raikkonen: Angry with the Media

I have recently been pondering the brash actions of Kimi Raikkonen.

Recently, he has received some harsh words in regards to his actions against a photographer and an overzealous fan seeking an autograph.  His actions in each situation range from unkind to selfish and dismissive.

I have little interest in trying to determine how justified his actions were, but rather, I wanted to try to figure out why he acted in the way he did.

But first, some background in case one has forgotten or missed these events.

At Silverstone, while preparing for the start of the British Grand Prix, a photographer positioned himself over Kimi Raikkonen’s gear for a close up shot.  Kimi, needing access to his equipment, shoved over the photographer and went about his business.

The second incident occurred when a mother approached Kimi for an autograph with her child in tow.  Kimi walked by without acknowledging the woman, causing her to knock over the child. 

Both the woman and Kimi walked away from the child until Kimi appeared to motion to the woman that the child needed her mother.

Perhaps Kimi acted within his rights, and perhaps he didn’t. He clearly had little interest in apologizing in both cases.  A better question is, why did he act in such a manner?

The typical response to Kimi’s behavior is that he is simply a quiet person who doesn’t like the celebrity status that comes with being a Formula One driver.  I, for one, have little doubt that this is a largely true statement. 

Kimi has made comments on his personal life being just that, personal.  He even said similar words about Max Mosley’s actions during the heat of the scandal. 

However, both of Kimi's actions took place in front of video cameras and on a race track.  Kimi might love his privacy, but he is surely aware when video cameras are rolling.

Another common explanation of his actions is that he is not interested in F1 any more.  I find it hard to believe that a man uninterested in F1 would want access to his racing gear, or want to keep up with a member of his Ferrari team when presented with an autograph.

If he was so upset or unsatisfied, one would think he would welcome these chances to slack off.  Instead, we see him acting like a man who holds seven fastest laps this season; focusing while on the race track and during the race weekend.

Thus, one might be left to consider what it could be that is bothering him, and I am proposing the following:

Each Formula 1 driver is a talented and driven athlete.  Certainly, some are more driven than others, and some are more naturally talented.  But talent, work ethic, and a little luck is what earns these drivers their seats.  If a driver is not hungry for victory or if their relative talent is too low, they are quickly dropped from the series.

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