Kimi Raikkonen Admits He Could Retire From F1 After This Season

Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen admitted that he could end up leaving F1 at the end of 2021 if he doesn’t enjoy racing anymore. However, the iceman asserted that he would only make a decision after completing this season. As things stand, Kimi doesn’t have a contract beyond 2021.

“If I continue to enjoy racing this year, I will continue, if not, I will retire”: Kimi Raikkonen

2020 is turning out to be a nightmare year for Formula 1. The season was cut short before it even really began and it’s been 7 months with no racing. Unfortunately, there’s an even bigger disappointment with Sebastian Vettel potentially leaving F1 next year.

The 4 times world Champions doesn’t have a contract in 2021 and unless Mercedes does the unthinkable, it isn’t looking good. Raikkonen could be joining Vettel in bidding adieu but he has different reasons.

At the end of this season, Raikkonen will be 41 and is currently the oldest driver on the F1 grid. He’s made it clear before that he’ll keep racing till he feels like it. As Kimi put it so eloquently, “It’s a hobby”.

With a young family to tend to and nothing really left to achieve in F1, Kimi could very well hang up his racing boots at the end of this season. Then again, with the regulations staying the same, the Iceman may just stick around for another season.

Ultimately, it boils down to how well Alfa Romeo performs this season and Kimi’s passion for F1 when the chequered flag waves in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, the Swiss team could always have a say in Raikkonen’s exit.

With Ferrari’s junior drivers lining up to potentially join the Scuderia one day, gaining experience at a team like Alfa Romeo is worthwhile.

“I have always said that I will do this season and then I will decide. If I continue to enjoy racing this year, I will continue, if not, I will retire” said Raikkonen, speaking to Infobae.

Kimi shrugs off his potential F1 record

If the season goes ahead as planned, Raikkonen will become F1’s most experienced driver. Being Kimi, he doesn’t really care.

“In the end, it is not what will make me happy or not about my years in Formula 1. I think there are many more things I will remember from my campaign than the amount of races I have done.” Concluded the Iceman.