Formula 1 is a "hobby" for Raikkonen

Alfa Romeo Racing driver Kimi Raikkonen has described Formula 1 as a "hobby" more than the job he loves nowadays.

Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, is closing in on his 40th birthday, but has just started his debut season back with Alfa Romeo Racing, after being dropped from Ferrari for the younger and more promising Charles Leclerc.

Following the move at the start of this season, Raikkonen has admitted is only motivation for Formula 1 nowadays is the fun of the competition.

"I don't have any special things that I try to motivate myself," Raikkonen told reporters in China. "It's become more of a hobby for me lately than anything else and probably that's why it's more fun again.

"I always try to do the best that I can. Some days it goes a bit better than others - but that's how it goes when you do a lot of racing. When I feel that it's now what I expect from myself, then obviously I try to find a new hobby after that."

Raikkonen has started his career at Alfa very strongly finishing in the points in both of his races, with a P8 in Australia - followed by a place higher at the Bahrain International Circuit.