Kimi Raikkonen plotting Alfa Romeo shocks as 2019 Formula 1 season draws closer. Kimi reflects on what makes him excited ahead of the 2019 F1 season.

Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen admitted that the possibility to focus mainly on what he loves to do, driving – rather than Formula 1’s ongoing circus, is one of the most important things that make him excited to start work alongside Alfa Romeo, with less than two weeks ahead of the official presentation of the 2019 car. Kimi once again confirmed that the team has the ability to upset the natural order of the grid and achieve some big results this season, as the Finnish driver returns to the team which he debuted with in 2001, after signing a two-year deal will see him race into his forties.

Leaving Scuderia Ferrari after a five-year stint means the Finn will give up a race-winning car and his form has steadily improved in 2018, culminating in his United States GP victory – his first in over five years. Having taken two victories for Lotus in an era dominated by Red Bull, Kimi Raikkonen says that Alfa Romeo could spring a surprise in the future, having made great strides throughout 2018 – and securing best-of-the-rest honours in several races last season. And now Alfa Romeo Racing (formerly Sauber) is embarking on an exciting new era: apart from the name change and closer connection to Ferrari they also have the formidable experience of Kimi Raikkonen to set a benchmark for the team in 2019

A veteran of 292 Grand Prix starts, Kimi Raikkonen will be the de facto team leader and will be partnered by rookie Antonio Giovinazzi: “I still like to drive, and that’s the only reason why I will continue to drive next year,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport – “Here I can focus more on what I love – driving. Why should I worry about going to Alfa Romeo? My goal is to try to help them to succeed and to have fun. When I came back to Formula 1 with Lotus, people said that I had made a mistake and could not do anything, but instead things went differently. It could happen again.” – the Finnish driver explained.

Kimi Raikkonen is unlikely to add to his 21 Grand Prix victories with his new team, but perhaps the challenge of taking the team to the next level will be victory enough for the sport’s most popular driver.