Kimi Raikkonen described the path to his new Alfa Romeo contract as “straightforward” after being confirmed for 2021 on Friday.
At the grand age of 41, the 2007 world champion will embark on his 19th season in Formula 1 next year, 20 years after debuting at the team when it was known as Sauber.
His decision to continue wasn’t too surprising given recent speculation had been pointing to a renewal, although, as Raikkonen revealed…
“We signed it yesterday, basically,” he said on Friday, ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. “You keep asking always about the future but if we haven’t signed anything, I wouldn’t start lying either way!
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“I don’t think there was any difficulty [in renewing], there are just many aspects from the team side and what I want to do.
“Obviously, there are other things in our lives you need to look into but, in the end, it made sense for my side and, obviously, for their side.
“Once we started to, let’s say, talk about it, it wasn’t such a long process, it was quite straightforward in the end.”
This season Raikkonen has proved that though he may be the oldest on the grid by six years, he can still play with the youngsters, notably passing 11 cars on the crazy opening lap at Portimao last Sunday.
“We never doubted that Kimi still had that Finnish fire in his belly and when he was given a chance in Portugal, he demonstrated it,” F1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn wrote in his Formula1.com column.
“His first lap was remarkable, and an example of a savvy driver making the most of an opportunity, in very tricky conditions, with a package that is on the weaker side right now.
“I’m sure that first lap got his adrenaline and blood pressure going. It was wonderful to see.
“He’s such an iconic driver, a World Champion, and at 41, it’s clear there’s still lots of petrol in the tank.”
Highlighting his experience, of the 20 drivers on the grid, Raikkonen is the only one left from the last time F1 visited Imola back in 2006, and he has good memories of the historic venue.
“I haven’t been around the track since the days that we raced here,” he admitted.
“I think the last chicane is missing but the rest of it is pretty much the same apart from some kerbs might be different. It’s nice to come back.
“I always enjoyed the track. I never really had a very good time, I think we did well but we never really finished the races very well. But I always enjoyed the track to drive and hopefully it’s the same tomorrow when we go again.”