Kimi Raikkonen has announced that he is to retire from F1 at the end of the season. The Finn claiming that he made the decision last winter.

The Finn, winner of the world championship in 2007, Ferrari's most recent world champion, announced his decision on Instagram.

"This is it. This will be my last season in Formula 1," he said.

"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!

"Sincerely, Kimi."

His decision comes at a time there is intense speculation over Alfa Romeo’s line-up for 2022, with several drivers, including Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher linked with the Italian team.

Raikkonen, currently the most experienced driver on the grid with 341 Grand Prix starts, will leave the sport after a record 19 seasons, in which he won 21 races, one World Championship and the hearts and admiration of millions of fans worldwide.

He made his debut in 2001 with Sauber, helping the Swiss constructor to a then-best fourth place in the championship, before moving to McLaren and Ferrari.

Following a two-year hiatus in 2010 and 2011, he returned to the sport with Lotus before making a return to Ferrari. He then returned to Hinwil to compete in three further seasons with Alfa Romeo thus going full circle in an astonishing career.

F1 won't be the same without him.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 02/09/2021 13:27

"The timing is right. He had a great run and a has been a fan favorite since he lined up on the grid."

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2. Posted by Burton, 02/09/2021 11:29

"Very difficult to choose a current driver to support, after the great Kimi's retirement."

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3. Posted by Greg, 02/09/2021 8:26

"Will miss his comments and replies across the radio and in interviews. Man of few words but full of action Enjoy the afterlife of retirement. So much more to do"

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4. Posted by USA1, 02/09/2021 0:02

"Kimi not a man of many words but the few you have are funny like heck, enjoy your time away from traveling and enjoy a drink ones in a while 👍"

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5. Posted by Batman, 01/09/2021 22:30

"Asked if he doesn't think it's too early to leave, he replied: "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing""

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6. Posted by Rock Doc, 01/09/2021 21:05

"Sad to see him go, one of the last real characters of F1. Should have had more world championships to his name but sadly just missed out in the end each time.

Still remember him in Monaco going off to his boat instead of back to the pits when he crashed just exiting the tunnel. Classic Kimi.

Never showed any fear in the early days. Driving around Nurburgring lap after lap with a 50 pence piece of the wheel after locking up too many times. Only for the wheel to finally give up and part company on the last lap. The vibrations must have been incredible, but he kept going until he couldn't.

I wish him well and all the best for the future. "

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7. Posted by Apexing, 01/09/2021 19:39

"Always loved watching him drive...and I am old enough to remember when he was told he was too young to race in F1! Enjoy your retirement, Kimi!"

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8. Posted by Winsor C, 01/09/2021 18:48

"Sad day indeed. He will finally get the drink."

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9. Posted by BillH, 01/09/2021 18:13

"For sure, I'll miss him.

I must say that one thing that was weird was seeing images of Raikkonen wearing red after so many races at McLaren Mercedes, where he should have one his first championship.

Also, it's not often we come across a driver that Ferrari pays NOT to race for anyone else.

I hope he has a fun retirement with his family and with whatever he does, for now though, best we enjoy watching him race."

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10. Posted by KKK, 01/09/2021 17:18

"What a true racer. Was at Imola when he was driving for Sauber. He pulled over, his steering wheel had come away from the column. Was as cool as a cucumber. Have a good retirement Kimi, will miss you and your oneliners (actually one word sentences....)"

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11. Posted by VC10-1103, 01/09/2021 17:13

"I'll miss him and his radio exchanges.
"

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Raikkonen announces his retirement from F1

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