Kimi Raikkonen says it is “pretty clear” after the pre-season Formula 1 tests that Alfa Romeo will face a difficult 2020 season.
For the third straight season, Alfa Romeo finished the year in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship, but had a more difficult time in 2020, scoring just eight points in the 17-lap season versus the 57 it scored in 2019 and 48 it did succeeded the year before.
Raikkonen finished the season best ninth in Mugello and Imola and only made a single Q3 appearance when he and his Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi rose to the top 10 shootout in Turkey.
“That is definitely not what we expected or wanted before the start of the season,” said the Finn.
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“I think after the tests it became pretty clear that we weren’t where we wanted to be, but of course there are many reasons why we are not as fast as we were, but from that point of view it’s obviously disappointing.
“I think last year we did, let’s say, a pretty decent job, even though we definitely weren’t where we wanted to be later in the year.
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“Of course, the hopes were higher, but it quickly became clear to all of us that we would not be where we would like to be.”
While development is limited for 2021 as the teams take over their current cars, Raikkonen hopes Alfa Romeo can still make improvements and take advantage of a brand new power unit being developed by engine supplier Ferrari.
“A lot has to be done for next year so that we are better positioned,” said Raikkonen.
“We just have to work and try to do a better job next year, but that’s how it works. Some years are more difficult for many reasons and of course the car makes a big difference in this sport.
“Good or bad, I think you have disappointing results every year, good results, and some results in the middle. It’s the name of the game. “
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