Kimi Raikkonen has defended his party lifestyle by saying that it has made him a better driver being able to do what he wants.

‘The Iceman’ is known to enjoy a drink or two when he is not racing, most recently at the FIA Prize Giving Gala at the end of last season. Great times.

Raikkonen is well aware of the jokes that follow but, by being able to unwind off track makes him more focused on it.

“Obviously it’s been a joke often,” the Finn explained to F1’s official Beyond the Grid podcast.

“But I actually think it’s more true than a joke that I’ve often been driving better [after] doing whatever I want between the races than if I’m just not having fun and drinks and stuff.

“There’s too many proven theories… that it might work better after you’ve had a bit more fun.

“That whole summer was more or less racing and partying. It’s nothing new – for me it’s normal. Outside it might look a bit weird, but for me, in the past, it was a very normal story.

“I always thought that [it makes you] more relaxed and you need to put more effort and concentration in [on track] because you’re a bit unsure. And then the end result comes better.”

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