Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has opened up on when he met with former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen .

The rookie driver, who stepped up to Mercedes when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was confirmed to move to Ferrari , was asked during the drivers' press conference in Bahrain whether he'd had the chance to meet the driver who inspired his middle name.

"The first time I met him, I understood why they call him 'The Iceman,'" Antonelli explained.

"I approached him feeling really excited, but he had no reaction at all. Despite that, I think he's a really cool guy. I never had the chance to have a proper conversation with him, but I would love to. I think it would be full of great advice about racing."

Raikkonen earned the nickname during his stint in F1 from 2001

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