Will Kimi Räikkönen perform better without Felipe Massa around?

[SennaMan]

Put Kimi and Massa in completely identical cars without any of Ferrari politics, Kimi will drive circles around Massa. Having said that Massa has worked hard without ever being really good, He has ambition and the drive, but pure driving Kimi is miles ahead.

I'm not sure the telemetry will back you up Rd, it's true Massa has had to work harder at it than Kimi but you shouldn't underestimate the work ethic and the ability to cope with adversity. The ability to keep your head up and pesevere are just as important as natural talent.

re ya last sentence John - I think those qualities are MORE important and kimi does not have them developed as he should and therefore his achievements have not matched his superior driving talents

he has underachieved as he has the work ethic "....of a 1960's hippie."

[Jericoke]

he has underachieved as he has the work ethic "....of a 1960's hippie."

I have to say, my opinion of Kimi's work ethic jumped a few notches today.  I don't think anyone would blame a racer for calling it a day after driving through a fireball.  Yet he persisted despite having gasoline stinging his eyes for the entire race.

That's a guy who wants to race Formula One cars.

[david1275]

Kimi is a great driver but Massa is the full package, a true team player.

Schumacher was my hero and Felipe is his sucessor, love the guy.

[raindancer]