The Finnish Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo), Formula World Champion -in 2007, with Ferrari-, Has announced this Wednesday, on his account of a well-known social network, his retirement from the queen category when this season ends.
“That’s all. This will be my last season in Formula,” said Kimi, 41, who, with 341, is the driver with the most races in the honorary division of motorsport, in which he debuted in 2001 and in which he has 21 wins, 18 pole positions and 46 fast laps. “This is a decision I made last winter,” added ‘Iceman’ – the ‘ice man’ – as he is known in the realm of the engine.
“It has not been an easy decision, but after this season it will be time for new things,” wrote, on his Instagram account, Raikkonen, also runner-up in the Formula World in 2003 and 2005.
“Although the season is still underway, I want to thank my family, all my teams and everyone related to my car career, and especially all of you, my fans, who have helped me. been supporting all this time, ”said Kimi, who has climbed 103 times to a Formula One podium.
A world championship and hundreds and hundreds of laughs 😂
So many fun memories with Kimi!# F1 pic.twitter.com/3XQlluUKU8
– Formula 1 (@ F1) September 1, 2021
“Formula One may have come to an end for me, but there are so many more things in life that I want to experience and enjoy yet. I’ll see you around after all this! With all my heart, Kimi,” he wrote. ‘eccentric Finnish star this Wednesday in his farewell announcement in the motor queen category.
Rumor has it that his place will be taken in Alfa Romeo by his compatriot Valtteri Bottas, who in turn would leave his seat for George Russell in Mercedes.
Now, the most veteran driver on the grid will be the Spanish Fernando Alonso, who is 40 and has a contract until 2022 with the team Alpine.
The pilot market is slowly clearing up for 2021, but it looks like Raikkonen’s move will be what will bring about the ad domino effect.
Toto Wolff he said a couple of days ago that he has defined his tandem of flyers for 2022, but that he expects others to “announce their moves.”
It was speculated that Russell’s announcement by Bottas would be given on the weekend of the G.ran Belgian Prize, The same in which the Finn turned years old, but only the confirmation of the renewal of the Mexican Sergio Pérez was given with Red Bull and, before that, Alonso’s signature to extend his stay with the French team.
With information from José Antonio Cortés