Ice Man Kimi Raikonnen storms Abu Dhabi desert with an amazing come back victory

Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus F1 team claim historic comeback victory at the eventful Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Islands as early leader Lewis Hamilton retired due to an gearbox failure. 

Kimi Raikonnen records first victory since 2009 Belgian Grand Prix and returning to Formula 1 this year after a 2year retirement. While the legendary Lotus F1 Team last won with Aryton Senna in 1987 before retiring operations in 1994.

Pole sitter Hamilton was predicted to be a clear winner again this year in Abu Dhabi but bad luck struck the McLaren driver again as the car gave up for the second time this season while in the lead.  

This victory is Kimi's 19th F1 career victory and the teams 48th since 1958 and the first since comeback.

Kimi Räikkönen, Winner, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
"I’m very happy for the team, and for myself also. You never know what’s going to happen during the race ; the safety cars made it quite tricky, but I’ve had similar races many, many times this year. Today we had a clear circuit to be able to use our speed. Perhaps we were not the fastest at the end, but we were quick enough and consistent enough to win so it’s great for the team. We’ve had some difficult races in the second half of the season so it’s fantastic to come back with a win."

Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1
"I have one word first of all : Great. Then there are many words such as ‘relief’ and ‘deserved’. It’s obviously a very well deserved result for the team. I’m pleased for Kimi and he did a very good job. We’ve been pushing very hard all season and we’ve nearly had it before. There’s a little frustration not to have had a win sooner, and we have been waiting for it, but it’s a fantastic feeling to finally take that victory and a superb reward for the team. It’s great for Formula 1, it’s great for Kimi and it’s great for our team."