KIMI’S BIGGEST LITTLE FAN
A
young Kimi Raikkonen fan who
was reduced to tears after the
Ferrari driver crashed out of the
Spanish Grand Prix met his hero after
the race.
Thomas Danel, six, from the
French city of Amiens, was seen crying
on television after Raikkonen retired
following a first-lap collision with Red
Bull’s Max Verstappen at the Circuit de
Catalunya. Raikkonen’s Ferrari team
responded to the outcry on social media
by inviting the six-year-old to their
hospitality suite to pose for pictures with
the Finnish star.
The 2007 world champion, 37,
also gave Thomas, who was dressed
in Ferrari apparel, a pair of his racing
boots.
Thomas was watching the race with
his parents at the final corner before
they were collected by Formula 1
management and taken to the paddock.
In addition to meeting Raikkonen,
Thomas also joined the Ferrari
mechanics beneath the podium
to watch Raikkonen’s team-mate
Sebastian Vettel receive his trophy
for finishing behind race winner Lewis
Hamilton.
“This has been the most fantastic
day for us,” Thomas’ mother Coralie
told reporters. “We could not believe it
when they came to get us and took us
to Ferrari. This is great for fans like us.
It really makes F1 and all of its people
come alive.”