Kimi Raikkonen is back to his very best form, reckons Lotus team boss Eric Boullier.
The Finn triumphed in the Australian Grand Prix after a controlled performance where a two-stop strategy proved key. With Raikkonen taking his second win in four races, Boullier said it showed that the 2007 World Champion has kicked off the new campaign in the same manner as he ended last season.
"Kimi built up himself over the last year," said Boullier. "You could see a strong second half of the season in 2012. And he is starting the season like he finished last year. We can expect him to be strong."
Raikkonen has thrived in the atmosphere at Lotus following his F1 return, and Boullier says he has no plans to change the way he deals with the former champion.
"I don't think there is anybody on earth who can tell Kimi what he should do, so I am not going to start," he added. "It is true that the environment we have is that we want the people to be creative and be themselves. It is much better for them, and we are doing this by limiting the politics and in Kimi by limiting what he hates."
Asked in what area he felt the team was most improved this year, he said: "It is everywhere, to be honest: There is better coordination.
"We have good people in Enstone [UK factory], from the aerodynamics, electronics, engine, and design. They know what they need to do. It is working."