Former F1 boss reveals missed chance to sign Kimi Raikkonen

Otmar Szafnauer, former Force India team principal, has revealed he was in discussions to sign Kimi Raikkonen for the 2012 season before the Finn chose to return with Lotus. The anecdote, shared on the High Performance Racing podcast, details a meeting in Brazil after the 2011 finale.

Why it matters:

Raikkonen's return to F1 with Lotus yielded two victories and re-established him as a top driver, eventually leading back to Ferrari. For Force India, missing out on a world champion could have changed their trajectory, though they lacked the competitive package to lure him.

The details:

• Szafnauer met Raikkonen at the Hyatt in Morumbi, accompanied by two friends who were the founders of Angry Birds.
• Raikkonen suggested moving the conversation to the Red Bull party; the crowd parted for the 2007 champion.
• Despite the cordial meeting, Raikkonen opted for Lotus, which had James Allison and a better car.
• Force India retained Paul di Resta and promoted Nico Hulkenberg for 2012.

Between the lines:

The story highlights the uphill battle midfield teams face in attracting elite talent. Raikkonen's decision was pragmatic, based on performance potential, not just financial terms. Szafnauer's admission shows how close Force India came to a marquee signing.