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That’s not to say all these weird and wonderful moments came at the cost of his impact on the track. Oh no. Behind the wheel of an F1 car – or any vehicle, for that matter – Kimi Raikkonen was in his element, doing what he loved most. Driving, and racing.
He boasts 21 race wins in F1 as well as one world championship in 2007, when he pipped McLaren duo Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to the title despite being in an unfancied Ferrari.
His latter years in the sport have not yielded much success, though that is more down the the lack of competitiveness of the Alfa Romeo he has driven since 2019 than any noticeable decline in ability.
This moment has been coming. Raikkonen has said before on Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary: “[Racing in F1] is more like a hobby for me, so obviously I don’t need to do it if I don’t want.”
With his contract expiring at the end of the current season and his 42nd birthday coming up on October, the Finn has clearly decided now is the time to pursue other interests.
It gives an opportunity for younger drivers to compete in F1, but no matter who replaces him a huge hole will be left in the sport, in talent yes but also in personality.
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