Fans love Kimi Raikkonen, even rival racers appreciate the no-nonsence Finn and it comes as no surprise that fans all over the world are happy to have Kimi stay in Formula One for another two years.
In an era of PR drivers, who thank everyone and their dog even when they have the worst afternoon in the worst car, Kimi says it as it is. And he’s got no time for kissing butts. The ‘Iceman’ has shown bouts of fearlessness during his time in Formula 1, and that’s not even taking his days in rallying or NASCAR into account.
Raikkonen entered Formula 1 in 2001 with Sauber despite having only ever contested 23 single-seater racers. A year later he signed with McLaren, bagging his first of his current 102 podiums. From McLaren he went to Scuderia Ferrari when he entered the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix locked in a three-way battle for the Drivers’ Championship. Although that stands as Kimi Raikkonen’s only World title, he twice finished runner up with a further two P3s to his name, as he is currently Ferrari’s last world champion.
Kimi Raikkonen is one of the most beloved drivers in Formula 1. The Finn will be making a swap for next season with Charles Leclerc, who is leaving Sauber to take Kimi’s seat at Ferrari.
“An amazing driver… a true definition of a Champion” or “Kimi, to thank you would be insulting you, to honour you would be the right thing to say but to never forget you is what you make me feel. Grazie campione e in bocca al lupo per il futuro. never stop being Kimi” are just two of the numerous messages posted by our ScuderiaFans.com members to bid an emotional farewell to Kimi Raikkonen ahead of his last race for the Maranello team.
The following are a section of messages to celebrate Kimi’s Ferrari career, which will come to an end after the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
Catalin Manole: I am sure that you will be missed. 🏆🥇
Zacharias Tzermnias: Always in our heart!
Martina Tassinari: I’m not ready to leave him… He’s a part of Ferrari, he isn’t only a driver for us
MonicaGiovanni Rotatori: GRANDE KIMI CI MANCHERAI ALLA FERRARI
Tariq Al-Asousi: Forza Kimi for life …. an amazing driver… a true definition of a Champion
Marco Perugini: Kimi was the best,,we will miss seeing him in a red car!!!
Martin Rojko: Good luck Kimi! You are and always will one of the best Formula 1 driver for me forever. Thank you very much! You are the best. Good luck in your life and your family. You are a Champion. Forza Kimi! 🙂 😉😥😏👍👌👌
Stefano Pace: Kimi, to thank you would be insulting you, to honour you would be the right thing to say but to never forget you is what you make me feel. Grazie campione e in bocca al lupo per il futuro. never stop being Kimi ……..
Gabriel Monaco: Kimi tu as ete champion du monde avec ferrari c’etait pour toi la premiere saison chez ferrari tu vas manquer a tout tes fans bonne continuation champion
David J Leeke: #Kimi7. I have always been a fan. Monza 2007 and I’m there as a guest of Ron Dennis. We watch the race at the Paribolica corner. You would become F1 Drivers World Champion that year but not finish the race in Italy. Good luck, Good racing at Sauber 2019
Toone Anneke: Good luck Kimi , we will miss seeing him…..
Piotr Feder: Kimi .. Make Alfa Romeo Great Again
Domenico de Fazio: É un vero peccato perdere cosi ul mio idolo Kimi
Tim Krämer: Good luck Kimmi — hoping you make many podiums with Sauber!!!
