Double world champion Mika Hakkinen has leapt to the defence of two of Formula One's leading figures.

The 40-year-old Finn, who retired as a McLaren race driver in 2001, said his countryman Kimi Raikkonen will bounce back to form after a lacklustre season with Ferrari this year.

"Kimi did not have a good year, but in 2009 he will attack again and win races," Hakkinen told laola1.at. "He knows what went wrong and will stop it from happening again."

Hakkinen also backed the sport's 78-year-old Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone, following recent suggestions that he should stand down.

"In the past decades he was the one who moved Formula One forwards," Hakkinen insisted. "He is absolutely the right man for the job.
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Meanwhile, Hakkinen tipped 21-year-old Sebastian Vettel, the youngest ever race winner following his 2008 Monza victory, for a F1 title within a 'few years'.

"Vettel has the right stuff," he said. "He is still very young, but exceptionally fast, performing like an old hand. Certainly in the next few years he will take the title."

E.A, Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

While I disagree with is position on Bernie, he's absolutely right about Vettel, imo.

Man, I can't believe Bernie is 78 already! I hope he croaks soon so we can get somebody who actually gives a shit about Formula 1 in a position of power.

 

Right about Vettel.
Wrong about Bernie.
Kimi, i dont know, i dont really think its gonna happen.

 

with our luck he'll out last us all..... seriously though I think Bernie will be replaced with an even bigger douche if that is possible

btw Love the new avatar the 8C is a beaut

 

Thanks! I found this cool font when I was playing with photoshop last night, so I needed to find an excuse to use it.