Alfa Romeo pays tribute to Raikkonen: ‘There’s no F1 driver like him’

Raikkonen took to Instagram to announce that he would be stepping away from the sport after a 20-year career. 

The Finn is the most experienced driver in the sport’s history with 341 starts to his name. 

He claimed 21 victories, 18 podiums and 103 podiums, winning the 2007 drivers’ championship for Ferrari.

Raikkonen bows out of F1 after three seasons with Alfa Romeo - a best finish of 12th in the drivers’ championship in 2019.

Reflecting on the news, Vasseur said: “There isn’t any driver out there like Kimi Räikkönen. 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, 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.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described Raikkonen as a “true champion” and “fantastic person” having worked together at Ferrari from 2007 to 2009, and briefly at the start of 2014.

“Kimi is an incredible part of our sport, a personal friend and a true champion,” a statement on Twitter said. “I had the privilege of working with him at Ferrari and know the fantastic person he is. We will all miss him & his unique style and wish him and his family the best for the future.”