Formula 1: 5 drivers who could retire next

Kimi Raikkonen

Listing anybody other than Kimi Raikkonen as the first driver in this article would almost be perceived as forgetting that the “Ice Man” still competes in Formula 1. But he does, and except for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he has competed in the sport since 2001.

Raikkonen is more than five years older than any other driver in the field at 40 years old, and he is set to enter a contract year with Alfa Romeo Racing in 2020.

Additionally, he is slated to break the all-time Formula 1 starts record this year, although when, exactly, he does it could be dependent on whether or not all of the races that are scheduled actually end up taking place as planned with the coronavirus having already canceled the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit in April.

Would the 2007 champion come back for more in 2021 as the sport’s most experienced driver of all-time, or would he hang up his helmet before then?

Ferrari have the right to select one of Alfa Romeo Racing’s two drivers each year. While Raikkonen came from Ferrari ahead of the 2019 season, he was not their selection. Alfa Romeo Racing have stated that the Finn can compete for the team for as long as he wants, so a retirement would be on his terms, as it should be.

The only question is, what are his terms?

Well, we know one of them, thanks to his famously dry sense of humor.