JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (AFP) – Whereas all eyes in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will likely be on the headline drama of the title struggle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen this weekend, one other world champion will likely be making his closing look in a Method One automobile.
Twenty years after making his F1 debut for Sauber on the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen will begin his 349th and closing race on Sunday (Dec 12) however he stated he “would not change a factor” and has no regrets about stepping away.
“F1 takes up numerous time nevertheless it has by no means been the principle factor for me,” the 2007 world champion instructed AFP.
“My life has all the time been exterior. There are different extra necessary issues for me than F1. Immediately my schedule impacts my entire household so I’m wanting ahead to the day I’ve nothing deliberate and may do what they need.”
Retirement is nothing new for the 42-year-old whose drive at Alfa Romeo subsequent yr will likely be taken by Valtteri Bottas. He tried it as soon as earlier than, lacking the 2010 and 2011 seasons, though that simply made time for him to race in Nascar and the world rally championship.
That swap inside motor sports activities seems unlikely this time round though Raikkonen’s followers have been encouraging him to bid for the presidency of each Method One and Finland.
“That will be enjoyable,” he stated, cracking an unfamiliar smile.
“Not F1. That will be more durable than Finland. Not F1, an excessive amount of politics… Have a look at this place (in Saudi Arabia), , cash talks.”
Raikkonen has all the time been his personal man, choosing up the nickname “The Iceman” partly due to the brevity of his glacial solutions to journalists over time.
“That’s the way it works in my head. I inform it like it’s,” he stated.
Raikkonen additionally admitted that he has not all the time been the most effective listener over the course of his profession as he solid his personal path.
“I used to be given numerous recommendation however did not hear. I all the time felt you needed to reside your life in one of the simplest ways for your self and never for others.
“At work, if I had an possibility, I would not do most of what I am requested, however along with your life, how you reside your life… you reside it for your self. In the event you attempt to reside it as another person desires, you may do it for a yr or two nevertheless it won’t find yourself very properly.
“I am completely satisfied I lived my method. Good or dangerous, I can reside with it as a result of it is my choices.
“I would not change a factor.”
Raikkonen got here to prominence as a driver when he left Sauber for McLaren for the 2002 season, ending runner-up twice on this planet championship in 2003, behind Michael Schumacher, and 2005 behind Fernando Alonso.
With one race nonetheless to return, Raikonnen has received 21 races, most not too long ago on the 2018 United States Grand Prix within the closing yr of his second stint at Ferrari.
The Finn picked out Schumacher as his hardest opponent over time, saying: “I raced in opposition to him a few years, we had numerous good fights.”
Ferrari signed him to interchange the departing Schumacher for the 2007 season which, hardly surprisingly, he put down because the spotlight of his profession “if we have a look at the outcomes”.
“In any other case, yearly there are good moments and dangerous moments, as in regular life. Some days are worse than others since you slept badly or as a result of you’ve got a crap day,” he stated.
“If for a couple of years it hadn’t been enjoyable, I’d by no means have stayed that lengthy.
“It is not all the time the nicest to go away dwelling and fly 10 hours. However if you truly get to do what you got here for on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it is OK. That stated, I am glad it is coming to an finish.”