Formula 1: Major decision looms for Kimi Raikkonen

While it may not be publicized right away, a major 2021 Formula 1 Silly Season domino is slated to fall by the end of September involving Kimi Raikkonen.

The 2021 Formula 1 driver lineup has been steadily coming together over the last few months, and another piece of the puzzle is set to fall into place in the near future.

Alfa Romeo are one of three teams that have not confirmed drivers for either of their two seats next year. While there is no timetable on a specific confirmation, there is reportedly a timetable on a key decision.

The team have maintained that Kimi Raikkonen, who signed a two-year deal, ahead of last season, is their number one choice for the 2021 campaign. But the 40-year-old Finn has repeatedly stated that he is not sure about what his future holds.

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With eight races left on the 2020 schedule, the 2007 world champion is two starts away from becoming the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history. Would another season beyond that be doable?

According to reports from Italian media, Raikkonen is slated to inform the Hinwil-based team of his decision by the end of this month, at which point he is slated to share the all-time Formula 1 starts record with Rubens Barrichello (322) with seven races remaining in the season.

He is in the midst of what has been by far a career-worst year, particularly due to the lack of power from the team’s Ferrari engines.

He sits in a 16th place tie in the driver standings with teammate Antonio Giovinazzi through nine races with just one point-scoring effort, a ninth place result in the Tuscan Grand Prix at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. In 17 previous seasons, his worst finishes in the standings are 12th (2014 and 2019).

Alfa Romeo are already in a position where Ferrari get to select one of their two drivers, and Giovinazzi, their selection in each of the last two seasons after Charles Leclerc left the team to replace Raikkonen at the Scuderia, is also in a contract year and rumored to be on the hot seat.

With three 21-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy prospects sitting in the top four in the Formula 2 championship standings, including Mick Schumacher, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman, it seems inevitable that at least one of them will be in Formula 1 next year, with at least one competing for Alfa Romeo.

Raikkonen, who is more than five years older than the next oldest driver in the current field of 20, sticking around for another year makes their situation one of a pretty straightforward nature.

But should Raikkonen do what many expect him to and depart, it will be interesting to see if they replace him with a veteran such as Sergio Perez or Nico Hulkenberg, or if they pair another young Formula 2 driver with the inevitable young Formula 2 driver whom Ferrari are bound to promote.