
It is hard to differentiate between an uninterested Kimi Raikkonen and a driver simply enduring a torrid time with his car at present.
There is a persuasive argument that could be put forward for both sides bearing in mind what we have witnessed over the last three months.
It has been that long since Raikkonen stood on the top step of the podium, his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix propelling him into a nine-point lead.
Six races and no wins later, Raikkonen now trails an on-fire Lewis Hamilton by seven points after the McLaren star's back-to-back victories at Silverstone and Hockenheim.
Raikkonen appears apathetic, detached, merely offering a shrug of the shoulders whether he wins or loses, a case of 'well, it's all the same to me'.
That is through no fault of his own because that is his character, as nonchalant away from the car as he is audacious inside it.
But then he is doing himself few favours by suggesting he will walk away from Formula One when his contract with Ferrari expires at the end of next season.
That has prompted suggestions he no longer cares now he has a world title in his pocket, that as far he is concerned his job in this sport is done and he has other interests to pursue.
But again that is part of Raikkonen's equanimity because the Finn does not live and breathe F1. It is in his blood, but it is not his life.
However, two recent incidents relating to Raikkonen spring to mind and offer conflicting views as to his mindset these days.
On the grid at Silverstone minutes ahead of the British Grand Prix, Raikkonen shoved to the ground photographer Paul-Henri Cahier.
The 28-year-old was aggravated at Cahier for thrusting a lens in his face at a time when he was attempting to prepare for the race, and for standing on his equipment.
Raikkonen's action was foolish - can you imagine the media field day if it had been Hamilton? - but at least it portrayed a degree of aggression, that there is enthusiasm and passion for his work.
But then at Hockenheim, Raikkonen claimed another 'victim' as he accidentally knocked over the little daughter of a woman trying to get his autograph as he walked down the paddock.
As the girl lay on the floor crying, Raikkonen gave a cursory look over his left shoulder and carried on walking.
The least he could have done in this instance would have been to check to see if the girl was okay, and then given the woman his autograph.
But there was barely a flicker of emotion from Raikkonen behind his dark sunglasses, which does nothing to enhance his cold 'I really don't give a stuff' image.
So what of Raikkonen on the track? He is quick, courageous, a man who on his day is arguably the best of the current crop.
But therein lies the key phrase, 'on his day', because there are times - akin to the two aforementioned incidents - when Raikkonen is forthright, bold, unconcerned as to who should cross his path.
Alternatively, when the car is not to his liking, Raikkonen exudes a half-hearted attitude along the lines of 'this car's rubbish, so why should I bother?'
But then we've been here before with Raikkonen, last year to be precise following his fine win on his Ferrari debut in Australia.
Six races followed during which Raikkonen struggled to get to grips with the car, and he was making uncharacteristic errors amid claims he was not working well with the team.
But there followed back-to-back wins in France and Britain that ignited his title charge, although again he has his critics who suggest he lucked into last season's championship due to the off-track furore that surrounded McLaren.
That would be harsh on Raikkonen because there were occasions when he produced brilliant drives equal to his talent.
So here we are again after a run of six races in which Raikkonen has failed to fire on all cylinders, hindered occasionally by his own impassivity, but also by team errors and a car clearly not on the pace of the McLaren at this moment.
As last season, Raikkonen is hoping it will be a case of 'lucky seven' when the F1 circus hits Budapest next weekend as he insists he has not lost his desire to win.
If Ferrari do manage to get their act together, then we will see if Raikkonen really does still have the bit between his teeth, or if he has one eye on pastures new.


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