On November 4, 2012, Kimi Räikkönen delivered one of the most memorable victories of his Formula 1 career—his first win in more than three years—at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But beyond the brilliant drive, it was his now-legendary radio message to the anxious Lotus pit wall that cemented the moment as pure motorsport folklore.
Räikkönen, known worldwide as The Iceman for his cool, unshaken demeanor, had returned to Formula 1 that season after a two-year break. Many wondered whether he could still fight at the front, but in Abu Dhabi he gave his answer with emphatic clarity. Starting from fourth on the grid, he executed a flawless race marked by consistency, razor-sharp decision-making, and his characteristic calm under pressure.
As the laps ticked away and Lotus engineers increasingly updated him over the radio with time gaps and reminders, Räikkönen delivered the unforgettable message that instantly became iconic:
“Yes, yes, I know what I’m doing.”
It was a line that perfectly captured his personality—laconic, confident, and slightly irritated by unnecessary chatter. Fans and commentators immediately recognized it as a classic Räikkönen moment, and it has since become one of the most quoted radio messages in F1 history.
The win itself carried enormous weight. It was Räikkönen’s first since the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, marking a triumphant comeback for a driver whose career had already included a World Championship but who had stepped away from the sport uncertain of his future. For Lotus, the victory was a milestone: their first since the team’s rebranding and a powerful reminder of their competitiveness against the giants of the grid.
The race will also be remembered for the chaos around it, including retirements, collisions, and dramatic overtakes—but through it all, Räikkönen remained unflappable. His controlled performance underlined why he has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted drivers of his generation.
Years later, fans still recall not only the victory but also the voice on the radio: cool, calm, unmistakably Kimi. A win for the stats—and a moment for the legend.
