MUST-SEE: Raikkonen makes up 10 positions on incredible opening lap in Portimao
When conditions are tricky, experience counts, as F1’s record starts holder Kimi Raikkonen proved in Sunday’s inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, with the Iceman making up an incredible 10 positions in a dizzying opening lap.
Raikkonen lined up 16th on the grid in his Alfa Romeo, but with conditions extremely tricky – a low grip track surface exacerbated by a smattering of light rain – the Finnish driver made the most of his soft tyres as those around him struggled to fire up their mediums in the cool temperatures.
Finding grip where others couldn't, the 41-year-old turned back the years as he sailed past the likes of George Russell, Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon as he closed up to the race leaders.
The best start of the year? Probably.
Watch all the action in the video above!
Next Up
Related Articles
Hinchcliffe'History shows Piastri will be even better in 2026'
ExclusiveHow Norris made his school teachers ‘enormously proud’
Winners & Losers5 Winners and 5 Losers from the 2025 season
11 times F1 drivers took another driver’s car number
ExclusiveHow APXGP was brought to life by costume designer Julian Day
End Of Year Reports 2025Aston Martin’s best and worst moments from 2025