Former drivers impressed by Raikkonen in 2012
After sitting out two full Grand Prix seasons while he forayed in world rallying and Nascar, F1's 2007 title winner returned with Lotus this year and after the first half of the calendar is within reach of the top of the standings.
"He is at a very high level," Austrian Karl Wendlinger, who raced with Sauber in the mid-90s, said on Red Bull-owned Servus TV.
"After a two year break, to have a lot of podiums already is sensational. He is very fast in the races and again and again is going for the wins.
"I think everyone up to and including Raikkonen in fifth place can still fight for this championship," Wendlinger, also referring to Lewis Hamilton, the Red Bull drivers and title leader Fernando Alonso, added.
Wendlinger, now 41, admits Raikkonen is "quiet" and has not always had the best reputation in terms of how dedicated he is to his chosen sport.
But he insisted: "Kimi was not world champion for nothing.
"His lifestyle was maybe not the best, but whoever can fight in the temperatures we saw in Hungary until the last lap must be in good condition."
Martin Brundle, also a former Grand Prix driver and now a commentator for British television Sky, admitted he was impressed with Raikkonen's "face like a wet Monday morning" after missing out on the win in Hungary.
"It really impresses me that he takes that much pain on what by any standards is a very successful return," said the Briton.
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Lewis Hamilton: ‘I towed Charles the whole time’ and ended up 0.5s slower
Why "dangerous" Hamilton-Lawson incident in Azerbaijan GP practice hasn't led to change
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Lewis Hamilton 'almost signed for Sauber' before F1 debut, says Peter Sauber
F1 2025 season highlights: Fans crown Nico Hulkenberg's podium and Lando Norris's title as top moments
Liam Lawson: “I don’t understand” why Arvid Lindblad escaped penalty after wrecking my floor
"Mr Horner is looking for a job" – Frederic Vasseur claps back at Ferrari rumours
Joey Logano's Kansas 'pole' is another #4theHaters moment
Winners and losers from F1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix street brawl
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
What we learned from Thursday practice at the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments