01/09/2021
NEWS STORY
Kimi Raikkonen has announced that he is to retire from F1 at the end of the season. The Finn claiming that he made the decision last winter.
The Finn, winner of the world championship in 2007, Ferrari's most recent world champion, announced his decision on Instagram.
"This is it. This will be my last season in Formula 1," he said.
"This is a decision I did during last winter. It was not an easy decision but after this season it is time for new things.
"Even though the season is still on, I want to thank my family, all my teams, everyone involved in my racing career and especially all of you great fans that have been rooting for me all this time.
"Formula 1 might come to an end for me but there is a lot more in life that I want to experience and enjoy. See you around after all of this!
"Sincerely, Kimi."
His decision comes at a time there is intense speculation over Alfa Romeo’s line-up for 2022, with several drivers, including Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher linked with the Italian team.
Raikkonen, currently the most experienced driver on the grid with 341 Grand Prix starts, will leave the sport after a record 19 seasons, in which he won 21 races, one World Championship and the hearts and admiration of millions of fans worldwide.
He made his debut in 2001 with Sauber, helping the Swiss constructor to a then-best fourth place in the championship, before moving to McLaren and Ferrari.
Following a two-year hiatus in 2010 and 2011, he returned to the sport with Lotus before making a return to Ferrari. He then returned to Hinwil to compete in three further seasons with Alfa Romeo thus going full circle in an astonishing career.
F1 won't be the same without him.