20/11/2014
NEWS STORY
Even the best friendships are put under intolerable strain when both parties are working towards the same goal, and no more is this demonstrated in the ultra-competitive world of Formula One.
The close bond, formed in karting, between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg is not what it was, the relationship, which has already been tested to the extreme this season facing another difficult weekend as the pair duel for the 2014 title.
But what of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, the unlikely pair who are forever seen chatting and laughing over the course of Grand Prix weekends, even though the two, certainly outwardly, appear to have little in common, the outgoing, quick-witted German and the laconic Finn.
"I think it will be nice to be with him in the same team" said Raikkonen in Abu Dhabi today following the team's (long awaited) confirmation of Vettel as his teammate. "Obviously the main objective is to get the team in a position where we can be near the front of the field. Of course we will be trying to beat each other all the time but I think we can have fun and get things done in a good way.
"I haven't worked with him in the same team but I know him best of all the guys," he continued. "Our relationship has always been very straightforward and I don't expect any changes on that side. I expect to have a normal and good relationship and hopefully we can get the team back to where we should be. I am sure we can do that, but only time will tell. I trust the people that are designing the new car one hundred percent. We know it will be much better, but it depends what other people will do. Will it be good enough? We will find out next year."
Asked if he thinks his relationship will be easier with Raikkonen than any other drivers, Vettel simply replied, "Yes," adding, "I think he would probably reply the same if you asked him," with a grin.
"Kimi is probably the least complicated driver on the grid so in terms of performance on the track," he continued, "when we talk about the skills Kimi has, I don't think there is a single person in the paddock who doubts his skills, including myself, but from a personal point of view, on a personal level, very straightforward. I don't expect any complications because I think we have a good relationship but more so, I think we have great respect for each other which I think is always very healthy to deal with in these sorts of situations coming up."
Then, of course, the first time either driver gets a 'he's quicker than you' message, all that fun and friendship could fly out of the window.
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