Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen is now an elder statesman of Formula One but admits he used to be a party animal and says it made him a better driver.
The Finn, known as "Iceman", has won 21 Grand Prix since his debut in 2001 with Sauber, the team -- now named Alfa Romeo -- he will race for again in Melbourne this week after switching from Ferrari.
Over the years, he gained a reputation for his off-track lifestyle, but the 2007 world champion said finding the right work-life balance had benefited him.
"Obviously it's been a joke often," he told the official F1 podcast 'Beyond The Grid' this week when asked about his party lifestyle.
"But I actually think it's more true than a joke that I've often been driving better (after) doing whatever I want between the races than if I'm just not having fun and drinks and stuff."
He added: "Racing and partying -- for me it was normal."
"And then the end result comes better."
Asked if partying had ever had a negative impact on his career, he replied: "Absolutely not."
"It's painful sometimes when you do mistakes or you don't get exactly what you want, but I guess that challenge is also the one that is enjoyable."