Kimi Raikkonen, one of most fan-favorite drivers on the F1 grid, is just 3 race weekends away from hanging his boots. Of course, this was imminent, considering the Finn is already 42-years-old and has been a part of the Formula 1 family since 2001.
21 years in the field of motorsport is no harmonious expedition, keeping in mind the immense physical and mental drain he would have had to cope with.
Well, the announcement is here, and Raikkonen will be paving his way for the next-gen drivers. But, one big question remains; What after retirement for the 1-time world champion?
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There have been variable opinions from the fandom, with a few reckoning he might move to other competitive racing series, while some reckoning he would call it quits altogether. So, which side is Raikkonen going to take?
Kimi Raikkonen reveals his retirement plans
There are veteran drivers who are still very much active in racing like the 46-year-old Juan Pablo Montoya, who is currently competing in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. However, Raikkonen, for the time being, has decided to follow Nico Rosberg’s path instead.
The German retired from racing following his championship-winning 2016 season; He mentioned that it was time to spend the rest of his life with his family after having devoted over a decade to F1.
Similarly, Raikkonen opened up that he is planning to spend time with his family and finally embrace life without schedules. “No plans yet on anything apart from spending time with the family and having a life without the schedule that dictates the whole family’s life,” he said according to Autosport.
“So that’s the plan,” the Finn added.
Can Raikkonen finish his F1 campaign on a high?
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Raikkonen had a brilliant outing in Mexico, as he managed to secure points only for the fourth time this season. Yet again, in Brazil, Alfa Romeo are looking quite strong, with Raikkonen set to start the sprint qualifying from P14. Hence, Raikkonen, for the second straight weekend has a huge chance of making it into the top 10.
Moreover, the Ferrari world champion is also just 6 points away from leap-frogging George Russell in the driver’s standings.
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So, can Raikkonen pull off a decent finish to his final F1 campaign to gift himself a pleasing send-off from racing? Well, we’ll know in time.
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