The 41-year-old announced his retirement on social media at the end of the season. The decision was probably made in winter.
So after more than 20 years in Formula 1, it's over. World champion and veteran Kimi Raikkonen announced on Wednesday evening via social media that he would end his career at the end of the season. “That's it. It will be my last season in Formula 1,” wrote the 41-year-old.
“That is a decision I made last winter. It is not an easy decision, but after this season it is time for something new,” said Raikkonen. He thanked his family, all his teams and “especially you great fans who have cheered me on all this time.”
World champion with Ferrari
Raikkonen holds the record for most Formula 1 races, currently there are 341. The “Iceman”, as his nickname is, celebrated 21 victories. In 2007 he was also crowned world champion in the Ferrari. In 2010 he left Formula 1 before making a comeback in the Lotus in 2012 and finally returning to Ferrari in 2014.
Truly the end of an era for our sport. Thank you for everything, F1 won't be the same without you. Kiitos, Kimi. 💙🤍 https://t.co/aY9RB2gYdm
– Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN (@alfaromeoracing) September 1, 2021
He has been with Alfa Romeo since 2019, for which he has scored 49 points over the past three seasons. In the current and ongoing season, Raikkonen is in 17th place in the drivers' standings. The Zandvoort Grand Prix in the Netherlands awaits him and his team next Sunday.
