Untold Kimi Raikkonen
10 Things You Didn't Know About The F1 Champion
Kimi Raikkonen is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, having won the 2007 Formula One World Championship, as well as numerous races and accolades throughout his career. Despite his success, there is much more to Raikkonen than meets the eye. From his time off the track to his most famous quotes, here are 10 things you may not have known about the F1 champion. From his love of snowmobiling and rallying to his passion for music and movies, Raikkonen’s life off the track is just as exciting as his time on it. You may be surprised to learn about the extent of his interests and hobbies, as well as the stories behind some of his most iconic moments in the sport. Whether you’re a fan of Raikkonen or a newcomer to the world of F1, you’ll enjoy discovering the untold story of Kimi Raikkonen.
Early life and rise to Formula One
Kimi Raikkonen was born on 17 October 1979 in Espoo, Finland. He started his racing career at an early age, competing in karting competitions from 1993 until 1996. Raikkonen then moved up to open wheel racing, competing in the British Formula Renault and Formula Three series. In 2000, Raikkonen made the leap to Formula One, competing for the Sauber team. Raikkonen would remain with Sauber for the next two years, earning a best result of 2nd at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix. In 2003, Raikkonen made the move to the McLaren team, where he would remain until 2009. During his time at McLaren, Raikkonen earned 19 race wins, 37 podiums, and the 2007 Formula One World Championship. After his championship win, Raikkonen competed for the Ferrari team from 2010 until 2012 and the Lotus team from 2012 until 2013. Since 2014, Raikkonen has driven for Scuderia Ferrari as their one and only driver.
Personal interests and hobbies
While many have come to know Raikkonen as the cool, calm, and collected Finn, the racer’s interests and hobbies show a much different side to the man. In addition to racing, Raikkonen has competed in the World Rally Championship, winning the WRC2 Championship in 2010. He has also participated in various other motorsports, such as the Australian Gold Coast Boat Races, 24 Hours of Daytona, and the Motocross World Championship. Raikkonen has also shown an appreciation for other sports, playing ice hockey for the Finnish junior national team and serving as a member of the Finnish Olympic team in 2016. When he’s not on the track, Raikkonen enjoys listening to music, playing guitar and keyboards, and attending car shows. Raikkonen is also an avid reader, particularly enjoying books on psychology, biographies, and history. He also has a passion for art, which is evident in the large collection of paintings and sculptures he has in his home.
His love of snowmobiling and rallying
When Raikkonen isn’t driving, he is often participating in other types of motorsports. One of Raikkonen’s favorite hobbies is snowmobiling, and he has competed in the Arctic Rally. Raikkonen has also participated in the Rally of Finland, which is a round of the World Rally Championship. He also enjoys driving in Rally events and has earned multiple podium finishes at the Race of Champions. Raikkonen also enjoys endurance rally driving, participating in the Carrera Panamericana and the Spa 24 Hours. He has driven for the same team as fellow Formula One drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz, Jr. Raikkonen is also a member of the Historic Rally Drivers Association and has driven cars from the 1950s and 1960s.
His passion for music and movies
Raikkonen is also an avid music fan, and he even has his own record label, Iceman Records. He has produced albums for artists including Max Vänni, Archie Bronson Outfit, and The Black Seeds. Raikkonen also owns a record store in Helsinki. Raikkonen has shown an appreciation for movies, as well as other forms of art, and has earned praise for his cameo appearances in various films. In addition to his appearance in Dont Worry He Wont Get Far On Foot, Raikkonen has also played minor roles in Ron Howard’s Formula One film Rush and the action film The Expendables.
His famous quotes
Although Raikkonen is known for his quiet demeanor, he has had a few choice words over the years. When asked about the state of Formula One following the death of fellow racer, Ayrton Senna, Raikkonen responded, “There are more important things in life than Formula One.” He later clarified his comment, noting that his words were misconstrued. Raikkonen also made headlines when he took to social media to express his love for a fan. After a woman commented on Raikkonen’s Instagram photo that she was a fan and that he was her “favourite driver,” the Finnish racer responded, “I’m your favourite driver? You’re my favourite fan.” Raikkonen also gave a bit of advice following a leg injury that kept him out of Formula One for a few races. When asked about how he stayed healthy, Raikkonen responded, “I don’t drink or do drugs, that’s how I stay healthy.”
His iconic moments in the sport
Raikkonen has had many memorable moments in Formula One, but one of his most important came during the 2005 season. Having missed several races due to an injury, Raikkonen returned to the track with a clean slate. With only two races remaining in the season, Raikkonen earned a 3rd-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, which would go down as his first in Ferrari’s car. Raikkonen went on to win the Driver’s Championship for the first time in his career that year, beating out his teammate, Michael Schumacher. Raikkonen’s second Championship win came in 2007, earning him the title as the 2007 Formula One World Champion.
His greatest accomplishments
Raikkonen’s biggest accomplishment is likely his two Formula One Championships, having won the title in both 2005 and 2007. Raikkonen is also the only driver in Formula One history to have won the Drivers’ Championship in a team other than Ferrari. Raikkonen also has a long list of accolades to his name, including the Driver of the Year Award in 2005 and 2007, the Silver Medal in the 2008 Olympic Games, and many more.
What is Kimi Raikkonen doing now?
Following a successful career in Formula One, Raikkonen made the move to the world of rallying. He has competed in several races, including the 2018 Paris-Dakar Rally. Raikkonen has also competed in the World Rally Championship since 2017. He will continue to compete for the 2019 season. Over the years, Raikkonen has also been involved in various charities. He has worked with UNICEF, donating money and visiting an Ethiopian school in 2016. He has also worked with Save the Children, both in his native Finland and abroad. Raikkonen also has his own foundation, the Kimi Räikkönen Foundation, which aims to promote children’s health and education.
Who is Kimi Raikkonen’s wife?
Kimi Raikkonen is married to Minttu Tuomas, whom he met while competing in the World Rally Championship. Tuomas is a Finnish model and actress, and the couple has two children together. Raikkonen has been retired from Formula One since the end of the 2017 season, and he will begin competing in the World Rally Championship next season. Despite his retirement, Raikkonen will always be remembered as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One and one of the sport’s best competitors. The future remains bright for Raikkonen, who will continue to compete in rally racing, and he maintains a busy life off the track as well. From his love of music and movies to his passion for snowmobiling and rallying, Raikkonen’s life off the track is just as exciting as his time on it.