Kimi Raikkonen has expressed satisfaction at his third place at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix, despite losing out during the virtual safety car period.
Team-mate Sebastian Vettel benefitted the most from the almost simultaneous retirements of the Haas of both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean, leapfrogging Raikkonen and race-leader Lewis Hamilton to become the eventual victor.
This third-placed position marks Raikkonen’s first time on the podium in Australia since his 2013 win.
Raikkonen qualified in second, ahead of Vettel in the other Ferrari for the first time since last year’s Malaysian Grand prix.
The Finn was still sitting in second until the virtual safety car was brought out.
“It was okay, we didn’t have the most luck but what can you do,” said Raikkonen.
“Luckily it was Seb who got the luck and our team.
“I think I had a decent speed all day long, it is just difficult to pass.’
“I had a good go at the second corner and then tried to follow and see if we can do something on the pit stop.
“The Safety Car was pure luck.
“We held onto third place, got some pressure at the end from Red Bull with more fresher tyres
“I’ll take it, third place.”
