Formula 1: Kimi Raikkonen to return to Alfa Romeo in 2021
By Asher Fair
Kimi Raikkonen is set to return for a third year with Alfa Romeo Racing in the 2021 Formula 1 season to extend his all-time starts record.
2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who recently became the sport’s all-time most experienced driver with the 323rd start of his career, is set to return for at least another year in the sport next year.
The 41-year-old Finn has signed a contract extension to remain with Alfa Romeo Racing for a third season in 2021.
Here is what he had to say about the matter, according to Formula 1.
"“Alfa Romeo Racing is more than a team to me, it is like a second family. So many of the faces that were around me when I made my Formula 1 debut in 2001 are still here and the unique atmosphere of this team is what gives me that extra motivation to keep going in what will be my 19th season in the sport, next year.“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in the team’s project and in what we feel we can achieve together. This is a team that values hard work over words and this fits well with my style: I am looking forward to next year and hopefully making some steps forward towards the front of the midfield with the team.”"
For the third consecutive season, Raikkonen is set to be paired with Antonio Giovinazzi, who was also confirmed by the team for next year.
Here is what team principal Fred Vasseur had to say.
"“I am very pleased for the team to continue working with Kimi and Antonio for another season. Kimi is a driver who needs no introduction: his talent has been clear to everyone since 2001 and I still see the passion and motivation in him every time I see him at work.“He can be trusted to deliver 100% of what the car can produce and he is a true leader for the people working around him. Antonio finished last year’s campaign strongly and he picked up where he left off and kept improving throughout 2020.“From the track to the engineering briefings, Antonio has played a crucial role for our team and he has thoroughly deserved a new contract for 2021. His work ethic, commitment to the team and contagious enthusiasm are a huge asset for Alfa Romeo Racing.”"
Raikkonen has competed in an all-time record 324 Formula 1 races throughout his career, which dates back to 2001 but does not include the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He has earned 21 victories and 103 podium finishes to go along with 18 pole positions.
More from Formula One
- Formula 1: Top Red Bull threat identified for 2024
- Formula 1: Why the Max Verstappen retirement obsession?
- Formula 1: Williams ‘mistake’ hints Logan Sargeant’s future
- Formula 1 awaiting key confirmation for 2024 season
- Formula 1: The ‘championship’ Max Verstappen only leads by 3 points
He competed for Alfa Romeo back when they were still known as Sauber in his rookie season in 2001, so the 2021 season is technically slated to be his fourth with the team. He moved to McLaren ahead of the 2002 season and remained there through 2006 before his first stint at Ferrari from 2007 to 2009.
He left Formula 1 after 2009 before returning with Lotus in 2012. In 2013, he secured what had been the most recent win for a non-Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull driver in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit for more than seven years. That changed early last month when AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly scored a massive upset win in the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
In 2014, Raikkonen returned to Ferrari, where he stayed through the 2018 season before moving to Alfa Romeo. He finished in 12th place in the driver standings last season and sits in a 17th tie through the first 12 races of this season with two points thanks to a ninth place finish in the Tuscan Grand Prix at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello.
With the confirmation of both Raikkonen and Giovinazzi for next year, Alfa Romeo have joined Renault, McLaren, Ferrari and Williams on the list of teams which have completely solidified their driver lineups for the 2021 season. Mercedes, Red Bull, Aston Martin and AlphaTauri have each confirmed one driver while Haas have not confirmed any.