Kimi Raikkonen says he needed another 10 laps to even stand a chance at trying to pass Valtteri Bottas during a processional Singapore Grand Prix.
The top six drivers all converted their grid positions through to the chequered flag at Marina Bay, with outgoing Ferrari racer Raikkonen coming home in fifth position.
Raikkonen remained close behind Bottas throughout most of the second stint of the race but was never in a position to challenge his Mercedes rival.
“Obviously, most of the time we were just following and taking care of the tyres,” said Raikkonen.
“I think we had decent speed but it is so difficult to overtake and we couldn’t use it.
“We got close, but every time we got close you start losing downforce and I think we needed like 10 more laps for Bottas to really struggle with his tyre.
“Then it would have been probably possible. Not a lot happened, really.”
Raikkonen believes his race outcome was effectively set by qualifying only fifth.
“Unfortunately it’s what often happens if it’s a more straightforward race like it was,” he said.
“Obviously when you have more Safety Cars who knows what happens? But when it’s a race like this, pretty straightforward, it’s difficult [to make gains].”
Raikkonen held third position in the championship, albeit with his advantage over Bottas reduced to three points.
