F1 Flashback: Kimi Räikkönen’s Unforgettable Final-Lap Triumph at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix
In the annals of Formula 1 history, certain races transcend mere statistics and results to become part of the sport’s legend. The 2005 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit is undoubtedly one of those magical moments, thanks largely to an unforgettable performance by Kimi Räikkönen. In what many fans and pundits still regard as one of the greatest drives of the modern era, the “Iceman” delivered a masterclass in speed, precision, and determination, clinching victory on the final lap in dramatic fashion.
A Weekend of Unpredictability
The stage was set at Suzuka, a circuit beloved by drivers for its challenging layout, featuring iconic corners like 130R and the Spoon Curve. Yet, the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix weekend started with chaos. Changing weather conditions during qualifying turned the grid upside down. Top runners like Räikkönen’s McLaren-Mercedes teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, and Renault’s Fernando Alonso, along with Kimi himself, were caught out and qualified deep in the field. Räikkönen would start from a seemingly hopeless 17th on the grid.
Conversely, it was Toyota’s Ralf Schumacher who took pole, followed by Giancarlo Fisichella in the Renault. It seemed destined to be a day for surprises — and Kimi Räikkönen ensured it became a day no one would forget.
The Iceman Begins His Charge
From the drop of the green lights, Räikkönen was on a mission. Known for his calm demeanor and blistering pace, Kimi cut through the field with surgical precision. Lap after lap, he executed clean overtakes, picking off drivers one by one