The first two grand prixs of the season have shown that Kimi Raikkonen’s fortunes have not changed. He is as focused and blindingly quick as ever, but can he finally make it to the title this season? You bet.

The opening Grand Prix in the deserts of Bahrain last week was an encouraging start to the new F1 season.  Formula 1 in the off-season is by no means a calm and serene environment.             

This year’s break saw the FIA, the sport’s governing body, radically change the qualifying procedures in hope of making it more interesting for drivers and audiences alike. 

The major shocker however was the surprise announcement by the McLaren team that the newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso will become one of their drivers, starting from 2007. This means that there is only one seat left for 2007, so either Kimi Raikkonen or Juan Pablo Montoya will have to find a new team. 

When he first heard that the deal had been sealed, Raikkonen’s reaction was unexpectedly positive. There was no trace of worry, fear, uncertainty or disappointment, because he is fully aware that, as one of F1’s most wanted men, he is in control. 

For Raikkonen, the 2006 season marks the beginning of yet another season in Formula 1 in hope of accomplishing his lifelong dream of winning the championship title. While McLaren would like to see him continue driving one of their cars, Raikkonen wants to wait a few races to see which team can help him accomplish his lifelong goal.

Raikkonen’s situation is difficult to fathom. Apart from the verity that he is more of an introvert individual who does not think much of cameras, spotlights, and being the center of attention, it is clear that he is disappointed.

Recall the Australian Grand Prix in 2001, where an ambitious and audacious young Raikkonen was immediately noticed for his speed and consistency. As soon as 2002, McLaren had signed a multimillion dollar deal with the Finn, who was obviously delighted.       

From the very beginning of this partnership, it was clear that the goal would be to win both the drivers and constructors championship title. Four seasons have past since then, and neither McLaren nor Raikkonen were able to achieve this objective.  

In 2003, Raikkonen lost the championship by only two points. If it had not been for the engine failure at the Nurburgring, he would have become the youngest champ in F1 history. McLaren simply had not done a good enough job to beat Ferrari.

Continuous reliability issues also cost Raikkonen at least three victories in 2005, and ultimately the championship title.  This has lead experts to believe that the Finn is fed up with his team, and is looking for possible alternatives. Raikkonen himself however has denied that he already excluded his current team as an option for next season.  

You would expect the Finn to be somewhat distraught by the seemingly incessant streak of bad luck, but at the opening Grand Prix at Manama this year he appeared more motivated than ever, only to suffer another setback, when the rear axel broke during his first outing in qualifying. Raikkonen however, has come to understand that events like these are outside his realm of influence. 

“There is nothing more I can do, I can just try my best, and hopefully the team will sort out the rest”, the quiet Finn once said at a press conference, a philosophy that has helped him ensure that his driving perfection remains unaffected.