Raikkonen: It was a positive day but…

Michelle Foster
Alfa Romeo principal Frederic Vasseur suggests the company have a "long-term" deal in F1.

Alfa Romeo principal Frederic Vasseur suggests the company have a "long-term" deal in F1.

Kimi Raikkonen may have celebrated his best result as a Alfa Romeo driver on Sunday, however, he was left to rue what could have been had he just managed to pass Carlos Sainz.

Raikkonen brought his Ferrari-powered C38 across the line in fifth place at the Interlagos circuit.

That became a P4 when Lewis Hamilton was penalised for hitting Alexander Albon late in the race while his team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi climbed to fifth.

It was Alfa Romeo’s best result of the campaign, however, Raikkonen says it could have been better if only he had passed Sainz for third.

“It’s great to finally be able to celebrate our best result of the season as a team,” said the Finn.

“It was a positive day and finally we were able to get the result we worked so hard for.

“We kept on our own most of the race, but at the end we were in the middle of the action.

“I am disappointed we couldn’t get past Sainz for what turned out to be the final podium position: we had the speed, got a good run on him twice but couldn’t get past.

“But you always want something more. In the end, it’s good to get big points with both cars.”

As for Giovinazzi, Sunday’s result was the perfect thank you to the team for re-signing him for 2020.

“I am really, really happy today, for both myself and the team,” he said. “What a great race.

“It was a fantastic way to celebrate my contract for next year with two cars in the points.

“Everyone in the team did a wonderful job and we can be really happy with our work.

“We are improving race after race and we can now focus on Abu Dhabi and on finishing the season in the right way.”

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