On This Day in 2007: Kimi Räikkönen Claims F1 Title with Victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix
On October 21, 2007, the world of Formula 1 bore witness to one of the most dramatic and improbable championship victories in the sport’s storied history. Kimi Räikkönen, often dubbed “The Iceman” for his cool, stoic demeanor, overcame a significant points deficit to clinch his first and only World Drivers’ Championship title at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, São Paulo.
It was a day marked by tension, surprises, and masterful driving — a race that cemented Räikkönen’s place in F1 legend and provided one of the closest title finishes the sport has ever seen.
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A Three-Way Title Decider
Heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix, the final race of the 2007 Formula 1 season, three drivers remained in mathematical contention for the championship. Lewis Hamilton, the sensational rookie driving for McLaren, led the standings with 107 points. His teammate and reigning two-time world champion Fernando Alonso followed closely with 103 points. Räikkönen, driving for Ferrari, trailed in third with 100 points.
While Hamilton’s advantage made him the clear favorite to secure the title, Formula 1 had other plans.
The stakes were monumental. Hamilton was on the verge of making history by becoming the first rookie driver — and the first Black driver — to win a Formula 1 World Championship. Alonso was eager to claim a third consecutive title and reinforce his dominance. Räikkönen, meanwhile, was the underdog — a man who had come close before with McLaren, only to be denied by mechanical failures and bad luck.
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Qualifying Sets the Stage
In qualifying, Ferrari locked out the front row with Felipe Massa taking pole position in front of his home crowd and Räikkönen securing P2. McLaren, by contrast, struggled to match Ferrari’s pace. Hamilton qualified in P2 initially but was demoted to P4 after Massa’s strong late-session lap. Alonso lined up third on the grid.
Despite the deficit in points, Ferrari’s front-row lockout gave the team and Räikkönen a glimmer of hope. They needed a perfect race — and misfortune for their rivals.