Alfa Romeo has paid tribute to Kimi Raikkonen after he announced his retirement from Formula 1 via Instagram on Wednesday.
The Finn will bring a 19-year career to a close at the end of this current season, spanning a record 342 Grand Prix starts to date with 10 more races planned until the finale in Abu Dhabi in December.
In that time, Raikkonen scored 21 wins, 18 poles and remains Ferrari’s last Drivers’ world champion, taking his only F1 title in 2007.
But his journey in F1, which began in 2001, ultimately went full circle as he debuted and will retire at the same team, Alfa Romeo/Sauber.
“Alfa Romeo would like to express all its gratitude to Kimi Räikkönen, as he announces he will retire at the end of the 2021 season,” a statement read on Wednesday.
“For the incredible years spent together in his two stints with the team in Hinwil; for the work ethic, the passion for racing, the determination to succeed he displayed from his first test in Fiorano to last week’s session debriefs.
“For being a unique character, always true to himself – something that endeared him to everyone who worked with and for him and that won him the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
“The team wishes Kimi all the best for an incredibly well-deserved retirement, in the knowledge that he and his family will greatly enjoy his presence at home after the final chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
“In the meantime, we are looking forward to a successful conclusion of the 2021 season together, to bring such an illustrious career to the ending it deserves.”
That sentiment was echoed by team boss Fred Vasseur, who summed up the Finn perfectly.
“There isn’t any driver out there like Kimi Räikkönen,” he stated.
“His presence, his charisma and his unique attitude, matched with the innate skill that made this team give him a chance back in 2001, have made him a legend of our sport in a way which numbers and statistics struggle to convey.
“It was a pleasure to work with him in these years and I believe I speak on behalf of everyone at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, from the shop floor in Hinwil to the garage here in Zandvoort, when I say a driver like Kimi has written some indelible pages of our team’s, and our sport’s, history.”