Raikkonen became one of the most experienced and iconic F1 drivers of all-time, his blunt, to-the-point demeanor making him a hit with large sections of the fanbase, while he was rather good on the track too, rising to World Championship glory in 2007 with Ferrari. That remains Ferrari’s most recent Drivers’ title triumph.
Raikkonen retired from Formula 1 after the 2021 season, but was back in the paddock this past weekend at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s home race.
It was on the Saturday, when Raikkonen made his return, that Mercedes announced Antonelli for F1 2025, their junior team prodigy stepping up from F2 to partner George Russell from next season, as Lewis Hamilton makes his way to Ferrari.
So, what does the original Kimi think of the new Kimi on the block? Well, it is a deal which he approves of, one that is positive for the sport.
Raikkonen stepped away from Formula 1 in order to spend more time with his family, a growing family at that with three children after Grace was born in the summer of last year. His eldest child, son Robin, is already very active on the karting scene.
That hectic family life means that Raikkonen has not been able to keep too close of a watching eye on Formula 1 since his departure, though he still tunes in when he can and is glad to see the thrilling competition which has emerged at the front of the grid in F1 2024, with seven different grand prix winner so far.
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