Kimi Raikkonen is unsurprised both he and Lotus lie second in the constructors’ and drivers’ Formula 1 championships.
The Finn returned to Formula 1 in 2012 with the Enstone team after spending two years in the World Rally Championship.
He finished third in the F1 standings last season after a consistent year in which he won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but in 2013, the 2007 title winner won the season opener, and has finished on the podium in every round with the exception of Malaysia, where he came home seventh.
As a result, Raikkonen is just four points behind series leader, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing.
"I don't see why we should be surprised; I don't think there is any magic behind it," Raikkonen said.
"We wanted to improve on the start to last year and we have done that.
"The aim was to start the first races better and we've already put ourselves in a strong position.
Despite his rich form, Raikkonen has conceded both he and Lotus are disappointed to have not won more races.
“We've already put ourselves in a strong position, [but] we wanted to win more races already, but it hasn't happened.
“Looking at it afterwards, you're never happy. Even if you win all the races, you're probably not 100 per cent happy.”
The Finn also believes the team’s E21 challenger is fundamentally fast, and is not benefiting from the 2013 Pirelli soft compound tire; a statement which is contrary to some views within the paddock.
"If you're not fast, you're not going to be on the podium; first you have to be strong enough to put yourself there.
"Maybe there's more room to make a difference with different types of tires and things like that, [but] before you could play more with the fuel.”
The Finn returned to Formula 1 in 2012 with the Enstone team after spending two years in the World Rally Championship.
He finished third in the F1 standings last season after a consistent year in which he won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but in 2013, the 2007 title winner won the season opener, and has finished on the podium in every round with the exception of Malaysia, where he came home seventh.
As a result, Raikkonen is just four points behind series leader, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing.
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| Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2) |
"I don't see why we should be surprised; I don't think there is any magic behind it," Raikkonen said.
"We wanted to improve on the start to last year and we have done that.
"The aim was to start the first races better and we've already put ourselves in a strong position.
Despite his rich form, Raikkonen has conceded both he and Lotus are disappointed to have not won more races.
“We've already put ourselves in a strong position, [but] we wanted to win more races already, but it hasn't happened.
“Looking at it afterwards, you're never happy. Even if you win all the races, you're probably not 100 per cent happy.”
The Finn also believes the team’s E21 challenger is fundamentally fast, and is not benefiting from the 2013 Pirelli soft compound tire; a statement which is contrary to some views within the paddock.
"If you're not fast, you're not going to be on the podium; first you have to be strong enough to put yourself there.
"Maybe there's more room to make a difference with different types of tires and things like that, [but] before you could play more with the fuel.”