Figure of the paddocks for his nonchalance and his cult lines, the Finnish Kimi Räikkönen, 42, will leave F1 on Sunday after 19 seasons of service since 2001, a world champion title and 21 Grand Prix victories. “I would not change anything” in my course, he assures AFP.
Q: You have traveled 92.202 km in Grand Prix, or 2.3 times around the earth, what memories do you have of that?
A: “It’s sure that over the years, you have done quite a few laps and kilometers. Obviously, winning the championship (in 2007 with Ferrari, editor’s note) … That’s why we’re all here, to try to win the title. It is perhaps the best memory, even if there are others ”.
Q: If you could change something, would you?
A: “No, I wouldn’t change anything”.
Q: What was your best season?
A: “If we look at the results, 2007. Otherwise, there are good times and bad times every year, just like in life. Some days are worse than others because you slept badly or because they are just rotten! If too many years had been worse than nice, I never would have stayed that long. It is not always pleasant to leave the house for a 10 hour flight. I am never in a hurry and I say to myself each time: “Shit!”. But when you find yourself doing what you came to do on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s okay! Having said that, I’m happy to see the end of it ”.
Q: Who has been your strongest opponent?
A: “Michael (Schumacher), I think. I raced against him for many years and we had a lot of good fights ”.
Q: Your favorite teammate?
A: “I had good relations with everyone, even if, of course, it can get a little hot sometimes for a lot of reasons … (laughs) Maybe Seb (Vettel) because we are knew better. With Antonio (Giovinazzi), we also knew each other through Ferrari before being team members. It makes a difference ”.
Q: And which team did you like the most?
A: “All my teams were from different countries and it changes to work with different nationalities, Swiss (Sauber in 2001, Alfa Romeo between 2019 and 2021, editor’s note), English (McLaren 2002-2006, Lotus 2012-2013, editor’s note) and Italians (Ferrari 2007-2009 and 2014-2018, editor’s note). But, in most of the teams, I stayed long enough, it shows that I was having a good time ”.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received during your career?
A: “I’m sure many have tried to give me advice but I haven’t really listened! (laughs) I’ve always believed in trying to live the best way for yourself. At work, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t do most of what I’m asked to do, but in the way of leading your personal life, you have to do it for yourself. If you try to do what other people want, it might take a year or two, but it won’t end well. I’m glad I lived in harmony with myself. Good or bad, I can accept it because these are my decisions ”.
Q: You are known for your answers so laconic in interviews that they become funny. What is the secret?
Q: “I don’t know. That’s how it works in my head (…) I say it as it is ”.
Q: A lot of drivers are afraid of life after F1. Not you ?
A: “No, I can’t wait. I left F1 for two years (in 2010 and 2011, editor’s note). Ok I was doing rallies but I’m happy at home doing normal things so I don’t worry ”.
Q: What will your program be?
A: “F1 takes a long time but that has never been the main thing for me. My life has always been outside. There are other more important areas. Today my schedule affects my whole family and I can’t wait to have nothing planned and do what they want ”.
Q: Your son and daughter seem to like motors. Are you going to become one of those fathers who roam the circuits with their children?
A: “No idea, honestly! The future will tell. Whatever they decide, we will try to support them as much as possible ”.
Q: Your fans always have “Kimi President” signs. You will have time, what could you become president of?
A: “That would be fun! More Finland than F1. F1 is too political … Look at what we’re doing here (in Saudi Arabia), it’s the money that speaks ”.
Interview during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.