Feb.18 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen says he does not intend to change his paddock demeanour now that he is the reigning world champion.

The Finn and Ferrari racer insists that he has always been shy, except when in the presence of his family and his closest friends.

"I was always this way and I probably always will be," Raikkonen, criticised last year by Bernie Ecclestone for being too quiet, said in an interview on Sunday with Sky Italia.

The 28-year-old, referring to his apparent shyness, added: "It seems to work for me so I see no reason to change."