12/12/2006
NEWS STORY
Echoing what one might expect from Mika Hakkinen - recently appointed a "responsible drinking ambassador" for McLaren sponsor, Johnnie Walker - Ferrari boss Jean Todt has warned his new star, Kimi Raikkonen, to drink responsibly in future.
The Finn has a reputation for getting a little excitable once he's hit the sauce, leading to hi-jinks in Mayfair clubs and Monza gardens. After one particular bout of alcohol fuelled naughtiness the Finn was given a written warning by, McLaren boss, Ron Dennis, which although severe was a whole lot better than receiving a verbal warning from the Englishman.
Speaking to Le Figaro, Todt has admitted that he is fully aware of his driver's reputation, his fondness for the demon drink, but asks him to be discreet.
"We know that the Finns like to drink from time to time," said the Frenchman, in a masterpiece of understatement. "However, Kimi will be much more visible at Ferrari, and consequently he will receive a lot of attention.
"If he wants to clink glasses with friends, we will simply ask him to do it discreetly," he added.
With Michael Schumacher being retained as Todt's "special assistant", one has to wonder if this means being the designated driver should Kimi get Brahms and Liszt.