Raikkonen: Nothing major wrong, we just lack speed

Kimi Raikkonen says there is “nothing major wrong” with Alfa Romeo’s 2019 Formula 1 car, but concedes the team is just lacking general speed. 

The rebranded squad currently lies ninth in the constructors’ championship having managed 13 points - all scored by Raikkonen - amid what is shaping up to be a closely-fought midfield fight this year. 

Just four points separates Alfa Romeo from fifth-placed Racing Point, though it finds itself 17 points adrift of midfield leaders McLaren after failing to finish inside the top ten in the last two rounds in Spain and Monaco. 

"Obviously we were not that fast,” Raikkonen explained. 

“I think definitely not what we wanted, but in Monaco if you qualify badly that’s pretty much where you’re going to race. After Saturday and the first pit stop you know where you are going to be. 

“In Barcelona I think we understood somethings that we were wrong, those are two separate things, but overall not good for us. 

“Hopefully back here [we will be] in a bit more of a normal position but we’ll only find out over the weekend so we’ll see. 

“But there’s nothing major wrong, just that we lack speed.” 

Asked how he has found being back in the midfield battle after years fighting at the front of the grid, Raikkonen replied: “I think the work itself is no different.

“Basically we do the same stuff, no matter what team you are in. In terms of racing there have been quite a few battles but obviously if it’s like Monaco and you’re stuck behind, it’s not the greatest place for racing.  

“But there’s been good battles here and there, I wouldn’t say a lot has changed. 

“We get more close battles in quite a few places because the midfield teams are very close together, so at least there has been some overtaking this year.

“Generally the work inside the team is the same, just a little less busy, which is a good thing.”