Kimi Raikkonen: "Formula 1 has never been the most important thing in my life"

At the age of 40, Kimi Raikkonen is the oldest driver of the F1 grid. Having become a father and matured over the years the Alfa Romeo driver has realized that there are more important things in life than motor racing.  

"My life has changed a lot because of the children," Raikkonen said to SpeedWeek.com. "If I was still alone, it would certainly be different. The children are responsible for change in many ways. And not every day is beautiful, but that is part of life. It's a lot harder, but you have a different center of life."

Being a part of the Formula 1 circus is a true commitment. Raikkonen is used to spending a lot of time away from his family but it doesn't come without any struggle.

"Sure, it takes a lot of time, and so it's a big part of my life, but it's just racing. It has never been the most important thing in my life," said the 40-year-old.

Raikkonen has a son who has started racing in karts and has admitted that it is hard seeing him race. 

"If you have children, you worry much more, which is not good, of course, but it's part of it. When our son sits in a kart, for example, I see many things, I know where the dangers lie. The kids do not think about it, they do not care, but you automatically start worrying." 

Raikkonen is still enjoying his time in Formula 1 and perhaps it won't be long until Raikkonen junior follows in his father's footsteps!