Formula 1: This is why Kimi Räikkönen is calling it a day
AND GOODBYE One of the most iconic Formula 1 drivers is retiring after this season. At the age of 42, it's the end for Kimi Räikkönen. The Finn will leave a gap in the premier class, especially for his fans. The Iceman has had enough: Kimi Räikkönen will end his Formula 1 career after this season at the age of 42. The motorsport king class will lose a driver [...]
The Iceman has had enough: Kimi Räikkönen will end his Formula 1 career after this season at the age of 42. The premier class of motorsport will lose a driver who was the last driver to win the world championship in a Ferrari in 2007.
Respected by all colleagues, loved by fans around the world. "That was it," wrote Raikkonen on Instagram.
Decision last winter
The Finn, who has made his home in the canton of Schwyz on Lake Zurich and never liked to talk much about Formula 1, did not leave it at just a few words this time. He explained that the decision had already been made last winter. It was not an easy decision.
Kimi Räikkönen: "Formula 1 may be over for me, but there's still a lot more I want to experience and enjoy."
He has not yet announced what he will do in the future. But it is quite possible that he will spend more time with his family.
Kimi Räikkönen is married to Minttu and together they have two children: son Robin and daughter Rianna.
Over 350 races run after 2021 season
In 2001, the Espoo-born Finn entered Formula 1 with Sauber (gallery left). He became world champion in 2007 - with Ferrari. After this season, he will have completed over 350 races - more than anyone before him. Kimi Räikkönen has celebrated 21 Grand Prix victories to date, driving for McLaren, Ferrari and Lotus.
He left Ferrari after the 2009 season and his richly rewarded premature end and competed in rallies, among other things, before returning to Formula 1 two years later. Since 2019 he has been driving for Alfa Romeo, the former Sauber team where his Grand Prix career began.
Kimi Räikkönen's announcement is likely to give the driver market a boost. His successor will be compatriot Valtteri Bottas, who has to vacate his cockpit at Mercedes for Williams driver George Russell.
