Iceman Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes: The tongues start wagging as eyebrows get raised

Kimi Raikkonen

Mercedes Benz Motorsport’s Vice President Norbert Haug paid a courtesy visit to Kimi Raikkonen at the latter’s Swiss home during the Silverstone racing weekend and ever since tongues have been wagging all across the F1 circuit of Kimi Raikkonen’s possible return to the F1 fold with Mercedes next season. If indeed that happens either F1 Great Michael Schumacher or the talented young driver Nico Rosberg would have to find alternate motor homes. Or if they can, Mercedes might as well have a three driver line up for the 2011 F1 Championship.

While all this remains mere speculation at this moment, here’s what Norbert Haug had to say after paying Raikkonen a visit.

I have been in contact with Kimi as a friend. Kimi will make a decision (regarding his future) for himself. I do hope he comes back, because it would be a good thing for F1.

Along with Norbert Haug, another very prominent name in F1 has been extremely eager to see Kimi Raikkonen back in F1. Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal and Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) chairman, also expressed his keenness for Kimi’s return.

F1 would be richer for having Kimi back. He is a very talented and intelligent driver, which is something that people underestimated – that’s because he wasn’t the most communicative of people on occasions. Kimi is one of the most exciting drivers in the world and, frankly, he should be in F1. If I could wave a magic wand for an F1 grid it would certainly include Kimi. That’s why last year we were talking to him.

So, the voices for Kimi Raikkonen’s return are simply getting louder by the day. But, the Iceman as always has remained as distant as ever. He has been making waves in the WRC circuit and as recently as the Rally Bulgaria, Kimi was running in the leading quartet of WRC runners before a crash put paid to his brilliant showing thus far. So, will the 30 year old be back into F1 or will he continue to improve steadily in WRC where he could someday be champion? With the years still on his side, the flying Finn might be able to swing either ways and till he does so, all we can do is to speculate on every move he makes.

Image Courtesy: FanPop

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