41-year-old Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen officially announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving at the end of the current Formula One campaign, bringing to a close a 20-year career in the sport. Kimi Raikkonen, who won the 2007 title with Scuderia Ferrari, confirmed he made the decision over the winter ahead of the start of the current championship and said it was an easy call.
Kimi was replaced at Ferrari by Charles Leclerc at the end of the 2018 Formula 1 season. Asked about the 2007 world champion’s retirement, Charles said:
“It is quite sad to know that Kimi won’t be in this paddock. Obviously it is part of Formula 1, some drivers come and go, very few leave a mark in the sport. Kimi is definitely one of them. His personality has always been different, and great to see. He is just a legend of the sport forever, whether it is on track or off track”
Interviewed ahead of the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Monegasque driver was also asked about George Russell’s talent and prospects, as Charles moved to call Russell “special”, while adding that he hoped he would get the Mercedes drive for next season.
“I’ve actually been team mates with George. It was a long time ago in karting… and I think what I’ve seen of him since that time is that he’s just extremely talented, and every time he got into the kart back then, or the car now, he’s just quick straight away. So his talent makes him special. If he goes to Mercedes next year – and I hope he does because I think he deserves a chance there – I’m pretty sure that he will perform very, very well and impress more than one person.” – Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc concluded.
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