From the dazzling drives on the track to his notorious personality off it, former Scuderia Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen, 40 today, is one of a kind
While racing well into their 40s and even early 50s used to be the norm for Formula 1 drivers, the sport is getting younger and younger and in 2019, only half of the grid are aged 25 or below. Four of them even made their debuts as teenagers. But Kimi Raikkonen, 40 today, has always done things a little bit differently.
Just like when Kimi Raikkonen stood out when he arrived in F1 in 2001 as a fresh-faced youngster with little racing experience, he stands out now as the seasoned veteran who, after Michael Schumacher and Pedro De La Rosa, is only the third active driver to hit 40 this millennium.
308 races into an astonishing F1 career, Raikkonen is still racing hard today at Alfa Romeo and is one of the most-loved drivers on the grid. And that’s not just because of the incredible drives and numbers on the track – Kimi has 21 race wins and one world championship – but also that notorious, frequently dismissive, one-of-a-kind personality off it.
From quick wit, to that famous ‘bwoah’ during his disliked media interviews, to hilarious radio outbursts – and even now a booming Instagram account – the Iceman has gained a cult following and, for a man of so few words, has become an icon of the sport.
Happy birthday, Kimi.
We look back at Kimi’s best moments, and some of our favourite memories from his legendary career so far
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