Kimi Räikkönen’s presence at Watkins Glen this weekend will likely garner global attention as he makes his NASCAR Cup Series debut.
The Iceman, who is the last Ferrari driver to win the F1 driver world championship back in 2007, will join Trackhouse Racing as part of its new international driver program, competing alongside their current drivers—Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain. Although Räikkönen has extensive F1 success with 21-race victories in his storied 19-year career, at least one Cup Series driver does not expect the F1 legend to be a major threat in his pursuit of a win.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and Trackhouse and whatnot, but as far as being a contender to race for the win, I don’t think that’s a possibility,” Denny Hamlin said.