Schumi’s shadow too large for Kimi
Germany's Bild-Zeitung points out that, despite winning three times this year compared with his three title rivals' two triumphs apiece, 27-year-old Raikkonen only ever wins "if Schumi is not there".
Kimi's predecessor at Ferrari, seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, retired at the end of 2006 but has attended some grands prix this year as the Maranello team's 'advisor'.
Schumacher was, for example, at Magny Cours on the Saturday but had left by the time Raikkonen found full form on Sunday and won for the first time since Melbourne — when Schumacher was also absent.
After Kimi won in Australia, team boss Jean Todt handed him a mobile phone in parc ferme with Schumacher on the other end, but the Finn claimed the line dropped out.
Nearly four months later, Schumacher then skipped the British grand prix altogether, preceding another Raikkonen win — but the 38-year-old German is scheduled to resume his tour at the Nurburgring in two weeks.
Bild wonders: "Is Schumi's shadow too large? Does Kimi feel restrained in his presence?"