When Kimi Raikkonen was in talks with F1 teams for a return to the sport in 2012 after an unsuccessful career in rallying and NASCAR many compared him to Michael Schumacher.
Seven time world champion, Schumacher had made a comeback to the sport with Mercedes and was unable to win a race, a poor shadow of the former champion who had annihilated his rivals not just once but seven times.
The only thing in Raikkonen's favour was his age, 30-something versus Schumacher's comeback in his 40s. The 2007 F1 world champion was also returning after only being away for two years. But the rules had changed and so had the players in the sport.
Ferrari was the dominating force in F1 with McLaren as their rival, but now Red Bull was the top dog in the sport and Sebastian Vettel was the champ.
Raikkonen made his comeback with Lotus, the former Renault team who were not the best option for the man known as the 'Flying Finn' having had raced for top dogs in F1 McLaren and Ferrari in the past, Raikkonen's return was seen as desperate by some.
When he returned, Kimi was as cool as he always was, the nickname 'Iceman' justified he had a disastrous qualifying in his first comeback race at the 2012 Australian GP but managed to finish the race seventh earning vital points for his team.
Kimi had consistent form through the season finishing in the points and on the podium on several occasions which aided him in finishing third in the F1 driver's championship behind Sebastian Vettel, the champion and Fernando Alonso who finished in second spot.
At the Abu Dhabi GP, Kimi won his first race after his comeback and vindicated the faith Lotus boss Eric Boullier had in him.
Though he doesn't speak much the Finn has made it very clear that he wishes to win more races and another F1 title. The win in Australia today seems to be a good step towards him achieving his dream of winning another title.
The winner of the season's first race has often gone on to win the F1 driver's title. The rain today may have played a part as the cars were not able to run in ideal conditions. But Kimi drove well and his win is testimony to it as he beat both Vettel and Alonso in the race with a clever strategy, some good overtaking and a solid race.
Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed- Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}