At 38 years old, he’s the oldest and most experienced driver (he’s 19 years older than the youngest driver, Lance Stroll) in the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship. Yet Kimi Räikkönen still has lots of drive in him and shows no signs of slowing down – he has signed on with Ferrari until the end of 2018 season.
Affectionately called Iceman, thanks to his ability to stay cool even under pressure and his Finnish roots, his icy cool persona melts when he is with his wife and two precious children, two-year-old Robin Räikkönen and four-month-old Rianna Räikkönen.
The professional driver has spent 17 years racing in Formula One. Like many of his fellow Formula One drivers, he started karting at the tender age of 11, winning events both in and out of Finland. After a decade of karting, Kimi made the switch to single-seater racing in which he bagged seven wins in the UK Formula Renault 2000. This feat paved the way for the start of his career in Formula One.
#Kimi smiling in his Go kart
Posted by Kimi Raikkönen Kimsters & Kimisek on Saturday, January 24, 2015
His first Formula One contract was with Sauber in 2001, and many were sceptical about Sauber’s choice as at that point Kimi only had 23 car races to his name. He proved his naysayers wrong when he scored nine points in his rookie season.
Kimi Räikkönen em seu primeiro ano na F1 correndo pela equipe Sauber.
Posted by Curva a Curva on Tuesday, May 9, 2017
He then spent his next five years at McLaren where he became a serious contender for the championship title. Despite the many reliability issues the team faced, Kimi has not allowed his environment to affect him and instead kept his performance consistent throughout. His ability to remain unfazed throughout everything earned him the nickname Iceman from Ron Dennis, the then McLaren team principal.
Posted by Kimi Räikkönen – McLaren years on Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren MP4/19 – Malaysia, 2004
Posted by Kimi Räikkönen – McLaren years on Sunday, March 26, 2017
It was finally in 2007 when he joined Ferrari did he clinch his first ever Formula One Driver’s Championship.
Kimi wrapped up the world title with victory in Brazil in 2007's final race.
Posted by F1 on Friday, November 11, 2016
The racer took a break from Formula One 2010, but being a diehard car enthusiast, he was still very much involved in fast cars, driving in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR. He returned to Formula One in 2012 with a two-year stint with Lotus (now Renault Sport), before moving back to Ferrari in 2014, which he represents to this day.
Kimi Raikkönen ismét arról beszélt, hogy a NASCAR és a rali is érdekli, ha egyszer kiszáll a Formula-1-ből: http://bit.ly/1068xWZ
Posted by Formula.hu on Saturday, October 18, 2014
The Finn has a good relationship with his Ferrari team mate Sebastien Vettel who has said, “We have a very good relationship and it brings stability. One of the best things thing is that we work together because neither him nor l have ego. Nothing has changed since we became team mates.”
The Ice Man, Kimi Raikkonen, in appropriate machinery!
Posted by The Original Car Spa LTD on Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Iceman married fitness model Minttu Virtanen in August 2016, after the couple welcomed their little man Robin Räikkönen in 2015.
Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary Kimi and Minttu Räikkönen! ❤ pic.twitter.com/OpNmRG8C7E
— Kimi Räikkönen ?? (@Kimi7iceman) August 7, 2017
Racing may seem like a family activity with Robin often spotted taking his little Ferrari for a spin around the house. Given his early start, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he chooses to follow his father’s footsteps and race for Ferrari in the future.
"Minttu?? He is hilarious!!"
Video from Minttu's IG pic.twitter.com/r9Wtiv6ZRU
— Kimi Räikkönen ?? (@Kimi7iceman) August 26, 2017
It’s a definite possibility, considering the little one’s early introduction to fast cars.
"When my son was born, I feel the whole life different. It feels great to be a father. He loves racing, he should be my fan. My son is very cute." – Kimi Raikkonen
Posted by Kimi Räikkönen #bwoah on Thursday, April 20, 2017
He can be seen visiting his dad at work as well.
The Räikkönen had another addition on 16 May 2017, with the arrival of Rianna Angelia Milana Räikkönen.
Kimi’s daughter isn’t even a year old, but it’s already apparent that she’s the princess of the family.
Kimi Räikkönen will be on our little red dot from 15 to 17 September for the 2017 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, and we can’t wait to see how he does for Team Ferrari.
