F1 Drivers talk about Kimi Raikkonen’s retirement

Kimi Raikkonen announced his retirement from Formula One at the conclusion of 2021 season. During Thursday’s driver’s press conference all the drivers got a chance to talk about the Iceman.

Kimi said he is happy with his decision to hang up the gloves after 20 years of journey.

“I had a good run. I’m happy with what I achieved. I wanted to win a championship, I got close quite a few times and managed to win it with Ferrari. I had fun and I did it my way”

Max Verstappen :

“Kimi’s been in F1 for so many years now, I think it’s also okay on Kimi’s side. He has always said that F1 is a hobby for him and he has done it that way. That’s great. Formula 1 needs a guy like Kimi.

Kimi doesn’t talk much, but there was once a flight from Melbourne to Dubai. He talked to a lot of people there (laughs). He is a great guy. When I was little, he was already in F1. He’s a legend. He is F1 world champion.”

Mick Schumacher :

Mick about his favorite story with Kimi: “The best story was the one in St. Petersburg, at the FIA Prize Giving. A quite famous appearance by Kimi. We had a good time. It’s sad that he is leaving, but I am sure we will see each other in the future.”

Sebastian Vettel :

“I wish him all the best. He’s been around a long time. An incredible talent, seeing that first hand as a teammate for some years was impressive, just the amount of speed he has and the ability to get used to different conditions, cars”

Charles Leclerc :

“It is quite sad to know that Kimi won’t be in this paddock. Obviously it is part of F1, some drivers come & go, very few leave a mark in the sport. Kimi is definitely one of them. He is just a legend of the sport forever, whether it is on track or off track”

Fernando Alonso :

“As a driver, Kimi was incredibly fair. One you could rely on in the bike-and-bike battle. You always knew: He doesn’t do anything stupid, he doesn’t do any tricks.”

Lewis Hamilton :

“I just admire his will to continue racing. He will be missed. I remember before I got to F1 being a huge fan of Kimi’s – when I played racing games, I’d always be Kimi’s car”.

Antonio Giovinazzi :

FIA President Jean Todt and CEO Stefano Domenicali responds on Kimi’s retirement.

Stefano Domenicali :

“Kimi is an incredible part of our sport, a personal friend and a true champion. I had the privilege of working with him at Ferrari and know the fantastic person he is. We will all miss him & his unique style and wish him and his family the best for the future.”

Jean Todt :