Kimi Raikkonen has officially left the building. After an anti-climatic final race, Raikkonen’s career has come to an end. However, we can still expect some battles from the Finn, albeit, off the track; Raikkonen expects to continue his competition with former Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Explaining that he and Vettel had ” a good time together, we knew each other before, that makes things a lot.” Raikkonen also added that because the duo were neighbors in their time in Switzerland and used to spend more time together outside racing. “Today we live a little further apart. But I will soon have more time, I am sure that we will see each other from time to time.”
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And Raikkonen expects to spend this time playing badminton with his former teammate. Apparently, the two are extremely competitive about it! Further, Vettel had praised his friend for his record in the past, in a witty manner. Raikkonen added, “We haven’t played badminton against each other for a few years. I even tried a couple of times to let him win.”
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The driver also revealed what he believes is Vettel’s intention with the hearty competition. “His plan is probably that I get so old that he can finally beat me.”
Kimi Raikkonen reveals what he will miss the most
It’s not speed, it’s not the competition; instead, it’s the people of Formula 1 that Raikkonen will miss the most. Unlike the usual ice-cold response expected from the Finn, his statements were heartfelt.
” I met a lot of people I work with, a lot of good people, and some of us became friends [and formed] friendships. Generally, we are so busy anyhow, it is always that it’s not really a place to say we are friends together. It’s not the place to really have time to do anything.”
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However, it wouldn’t be the end of the world for Raikkonen, who has been excited about his retirement from the sport. “[There are] a lot of good memories, a big part of my life has been spent here. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing. But that’s how it is because it takes a lot of time. But it’s never been the most important thing for me in my life. So it’s nice that it comes to the end, and I’m looking forward to a normal life.”
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As we await further updates on Raikkonen’s life after retirement, hopefully, we’ll get to see more of the Finn.
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