Happy Birthday Kimi Raikkonen: His last birthday as a Formula 1 driver

Kimi Raikkonen is celebrating his birthday, and to celebrate we take a look at the career of the crowd favourite. The Finn has turned 42 and has celebrated many a birthday in Formula 1, but this will be his last birthday as an F1 driver. Congratulations on behalf of GPblog, Kimi!

In 2001, Raikkonen made his debut as a Formula 1 driver with the Sauber team, where he immediately proved to be fast. After his rookie year, he moved to McLaren, where he succeeded the departing Mika Hakkinen. A year later, he almost beat the supreme Michael Schumacher, who won his sixth world title with just two points ahead of the Finn.

The following years at McLaren were less successful, but after Schumacher's departure in 2006 Ferrari brought him in. It turned out to be a good move as he won the world title in his first year with the Italian team.

At the end of 2009, Raikkonen announced that he was taking a sabbatical and would try his luck in other motorsport classes. Many expected to never see the Iceman again, but after two years of absence he returned to Formula 1. That return was not short-lived, as in 2021 the Finn will drive in his tenth season since his comeback.

The 42-year-old Raikkonen has had enough. Earlier this year, he announced his departure from Formula 1. He has not been competing for victories for some time now, but with his departure the sport loses an icon that will be missed by many.