For Kimi Raikkonen there was no doubt: after last season it was enough. The Finn was completely finished with Formula 1. This season the fans will have to get used to the fact that one of the most loved drivers has left the grid.
Not like before
As ever, Raikkonen was popular last season mainly because of his appearance and sometimes funny interviews. In terms of performance, it was not always consistent. With the Alfa Romeo - certainly not the strongest car in the field - the Finn only managed to get ten points. For a former world champion that is undoubtedly something to swallow.
In an extensive interview with The Race Raikkonen looks back on his long career. In the interview, he notes that the last few years were not as smooth as in his glory days. Not only the car played a role in the declining performance, also Raikkonen himself. "I’m sure I was driving better when I was younger – but not maybe too young – than I am now. I still race well, but I’m sure I was better at qualifying then than I was now, but I would expect that.”
Mistakes
The years have started to count for Raikkonen. Although his races were mostly of a good level, Raikkonen was also in the news a few times because of mistakes. He hit teammate Antonio Giovinazzi in Portugal and he collided with Sebastian Vettel in the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix.