There are moments in Formula 1 that defy expectations, where a single lap becomes a highlight reel in itself. The start of the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão delivered one such moment, courtesy of none other than Kimi Räikkönen. At an age when most drivers have long stepped away from the sport, the 2007 World Champion showcased the instincts and aggression that made him a legend, storming from 16th on the grid to sixth place in a breathtaking display of skill and precision.
The race at the Algarve International Circuit was always expected to be tricky. The newly resurfaced track offered low grip, temperatures were unusually cool, and a light drizzle had fallen in the moments before the start. Cars were sliding even on the formation lap, and tire warm-up was going to be a massive challenge.
For most drivers, this spelled caution. For Räikkönen, it spelled opportunity.
As the five red lights went out, Räikkönen’s Alfa Romeo made an explosive getaway. While others hesitated and tiptoed around the damp patches, Kimi wasted no time. He dived aggressively down the inside into Turn 1, already picking off a handful of cars.
Through Turn 2 and Turn 3, he demonstrated why his nickname, the Iceman, has stood the test of time. With remarkable control, he kept his car steady while rivals struggled for grip, slipping past anyone who dared leave the door even slightly ajar.
By Turn 5, Räikkönen had cleared more than half the midfield pack. His bravery was matched only by his precision; every move was calculated, never reckless, as he threaded his Alfa through the chaos.
By the time Räikkönen reached Turn 8, he had climbed an astonishing 10 places, moving from 16th to sixth in less than two minutes. The onboard footage showed a driver in total command, reacting instantly to every opportunity, braking later, and finding grip in places where others could not.
For fans watching, it felt like being transported back in time to Räikkönen’s prime — a masterclass in how experience and instinct can overwhelm even the most difficult of circumstances.
Commentators could barely contain their excitement. Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle described the start as “vintage Kimi — aggressive, instinctive, and utterly brilliant.” Social media exploded, with clips of the onboard going viral within minutes of being released.
Many fans hailed it as one of the greatest opening laps of the modern era, comparing it to other famous starts in F1 history, such as Ayrton Senna’s charge at Donington in 1993 or Fernando Alonso’s lightning launches in the mid-2000s.
Of course, as the race settled into rhythm, the limitations of the Alfa Romeo became apparent. The car simply didn’t have the pace to hold off faster rivals like the Mercedes, Red Bulls, and even some midfield machines. Räikkönen gradually slipped down the order and eventually finished outside the points.
But the result hardly mattered. What fans would remember from that weekend wasn’t the finishing position, but the spectacle of one extraordinary lap.
In typical Räikkönen fashion, his post-race comments were as understated as ever. When asked about his spectacular start, he simply shrugged:
“It wasn’t too bad. The car felt good, I had some grip, so I just went for it.”
No drama, no self-praise, just Kimi being Kimi.
The 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix will always be remembered as the race where Lewis Hamilton broke Michael Schumacher’s record for most Grand Prix wins. Yet for many fans, it was Räikkönen’s first lap that stole the show.
At 41 years old, in a car with no chance of victory, he still produced a moment that electrified the sport. It was a reminder that true racing instinct never fades, and that Kimi Räikkönen’s place in Formula 1 folklore is unshakable.
Even in the twilight of his career, the Iceman delivered fire — a perfect snapshot of why he remains one of the most beloved drivers in F1 history.
