Former F1 driver reveals lasting scars two years after open-heart surgery

In 2024, Kovalainen underwent surgery to correct an aortic aneurysm, a particularly delicate condition that can lead to a range of serious and potentially life-threatening complications if not treated in time.

The operation was successfully carried out, with the former Renault and McLaren driver beginning a gradual recovery and having to step away from on-track activities for a period.

Taking to social media, Heikki Kovalainen not only shared an update on his condition but also revealed the scars left by the surgery: “Hard to believe it’s been over two years since my open-heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm. It was something discovered during a medical check-up, without any symptoms.

“I’m forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who looked after me, and being able to live my life without limitations is truly a blessing. A fading scar reminds me of that moment every day when I look in the mirror.”

Long-time fans will remember that in the first half of the 2000s, Kimi Raikkonen was not the only Finn on the Formula 1 grid, with compatriot Heikki also flying the flag.

Born in 1981, Kovalainen made his debut in the pinnacle of motorsport in 2007, putting together a solid rookie season with Renault as he stepped into the sizeable shoes of Fernando Alonso, fresh off back-to-back world titles.

The turbulent relationship between the Spaniard and McLaren, which ended in a split after just one season, prompted the Woking outfit to turn to the Finn to partner Lewis Hamilton, although the head-to-head with the Brit over the following two years proved fairly one-sided.

In 2008, however, he secured his maiden pole position at Silverstone and his first victory in Hungary, aided by the late retirement of Felipe Massa’s Ferrari.

In 2010, Kovalainen moved to Lotus, but with an uncompetitive car, finishing 20th in the standings, before slipping further the following year to 22nd. His final full season in Formula 1 came in 2012 with Caterham, once again at the wheel of one of the least competitive cars on the grid, ending with the same result.

From there, his career continued in Super GT, where he also competed in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, enjoying a solid level of success, as well as in Finnish rallying and the Japan Rally Championship.