Pelé messed up in the F1 race – Kimi Räikkönen: “I was in the shit”

Pelé was given the honor at the 2002 Brazilian GP, ​​but the great champion’s timing was wrong.

The late football peak Pelé achievements and appearances have been recalled over the past few days. He managed to take part in many events outside the football fields, such as formula races. One moment in F1 in particular did not flatter the three-time soccer world champion.

At the end of March 2002, in the third round of the Formula 1 season in Interlagos, Brazil, Pelé had the honor of waving the checkered flag, when on his way to his fifth world championship, gassed Michael Schumacher drove first across the finish line before Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard.

In addition to the gold trophy, Michael Schumacher received a kiss on the cheek from Pelé. PDO

But when the German finished the laps, the flag didn’t even fly next to the track. Pelé, who received a late warning about the end of the race, did not make it to his seat in time. He waved the checkered flag at the ninth runner To Takuma Satowho was two laps behind the Ferrari driver, and Coulthard, who was one minute behind the winner.

Pelé later said that Schumacher was too fast for him. The soccer player especially wanted to flag the Brazilians of the race to the finish line, but unfortunately for him, every Brazilian driver had to stop.

Pelé also waved the flag to the sixth-place finisher To Mika Salo. Kimi Raikkonen was among those who dropped out.

“I was having a shit”

Kimi Räikkönen was not there to watch Schumacher and Pelé’s celebration. EPA/AOP

Pelé, who received a bit of disapproval for his mistake in 2002, took part in the Interlagos competition in 2006 as well.

At the same time, the Brazilian got a good chance to apologize for what happened to Schumacher, who was driving his last season at the wheel of Ferrari – and, according to the information of that time, his last F1 race weekend – by handing the driver a lifetime achievement award.

The big celebration ceremony before the race was attended by all the drivers – except one. Kimi Räikkö, who was chosen as Schumacher’s heir, was not seen there, which caused some surprise.

When the F1 reporter Martin Brundle found Jäämie in his hands after the ceremony, Räikkönen gave the answer that entered the annals of F1 quotes of all time.

– Kimi, you missed Pelé’s opportunity, Brundle says to the Finn leaning against the wall.

– Yes, Räikkönen says.

– Will you get over it?

– Yeah, I was in the shit.

Räikkönen finished fifth in the race that same weekend. Schumacher lost the championship for the second time For Fernando Alonso.

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