Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2021 season.
“This is it,” he said on Instagram. “This will be my last season in Formula 1. This is a decision I did during last winter. It was not an easy decision but after this season it is time for new things.
“Even though the season is still on, I want to thank my family, all my teams, everyone involved in my racing career and especially all of you great fans that have been rooting for me all this time.
“Formula 1 might come to an end for me but there is a lot more in life that I want to experience and enjoy. See you around after all of this.”
Raikkonen has had an epic career in Formula One over the years, since debuting at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix with Sauber, and won the world title in 2007.
After taking a two-year break, he returned to the team that was renamed Alfa Romeo, but with his deal coming to an end in December the Finn has decided to call time on his career.
The spotlight will be on Alfa Romeo as the season winds to a close at the end of the year as they have yet to confirm their plans for 2022.
They have both seats open, but have given no clues as to whether or not they will keep hold of Giovinazzi going forward and now, who will replace Raikkonen – with many predicting Bottas to make a move.
