Kimi Räikkönen
Finnish racing driver
Kimi Räikkönen: a long route through Formula 1
A rapid rise from junior racing
After karting and success in Formula Renault, Kimi Räikkönen tested for Sauber and entered Formula 1 with the team in 2001. He had unusually little car-racing experience for a newcomer. A points finish on his debut helped establish that his promotion was based on pace rather than a long junior résumé.
McLaren wins and a Ferrari title
Räikkönen moved to McLaren in 2002 and won his first Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2003. He finished runner-up in the drivers’ championship in 2003 and 2005. Joining Ferrari in 2007, he won the world championship in his first season with the team.
Return and final seasons
After leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2009, he competed in rallying and returned with Lotus in 2012. A second Ferrari spell began in 2014, followed by seasons with Alfa Romeo from 2019. His career thus extended across several teams and two distinct periods in the sport.