Racing series Formula 1 showcased Kimi Raikkonen's significant accomplishments as he brought his stint in "regal motorsport contests" to a close.
Kimi Räikkönen Bids Farewell to Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi
Kimi Räikkönen, the legendary Finnish driver and four-time World Champion, brought down the curtain on his illustrious Formula 1 career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The event, held at Yas Marina, marked the end of the 2021 season and a poignant moment in the history of the sport.
Räikkönen, nicknamed "The Iceman" for his cool demeanour under pressure, competed in the race for Alfa Romeo, the team he joined in 2019. However, technical issues during the race forced him to retire before the finish line.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a fitting finale for a career that spanned over two decades. Räikkönen made his debut in 2001 and went on to compete in 19 seasons, racing for several teams including McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo.
Throughout his career, Räikkönen amassed an impressive list of achievements. In 2007, he secured the World Championship with Ferrari, winning a closely fought season. He also ranks fifth all-time in terms of podium finishes, with a total of 103, and seventh in terms of number of podiums, despite a relatively moderate podium percentage of 29.18% due to his lengthy career and many entries (353 races).
Räikkönen's consistent high-level performance is reflected in his career points total of 1,873. Had all points been awarded under the newer system, his total would have been 3,043 points. After leaving Ferrari in 2009, he had a career resurgence at Lotus from 2012, before a return to Ferrari and finishing his career at Alfa Romeo.
During his career, Räikkönen earned significant bonuses and team rewards, including nearly 20 million euros from Ferrari over two seasons early in his tenure there. He is also third in all-time fastest laps, with 46 fastest laps recorded.
As Räikkönen takes a well-deserved break from the track, he leaves behind a legacy that few can match. With 21 race wins, 18 pole positions, and a record 349 starts in Formula 1 history, he is truly one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the sport's history.
Sources: [1] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.kimi-raikkonen-statistics.1321843.html [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58807102 [4] https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/24/kimi-raikkonen-earned-nearly-20m-from-ferrari-in-two-seasons/ [2] https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/24/kimi-raikkonen-earned-nearly-20m-from-ferrari-in-two-seasons/
Participating in his final Formula 1 race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen, a legendary four-time World Champion, showcased his love for sports by competing with Alfa Romeo, despite technical issues that led to his early retirement. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over two decades, Räikkönen's impressive sports achievements included numerous race wins, pole positions, and fastest laps.
