Kimi Raikkonen’s rivals at Abu Dhabi, Alfa Romeo staff and others from the Formula 1 community paid their tributes to the ‘Iceman’ as he started his last race on Sunday. The 42-year-old will retire from the sport following the tussle at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“He has been a legend. It has always been fun to watch and also fun to be racing with him,” Raikkonen’s national compatriot Valtteri Bottas said. The Mercedes driver is set to replace Raikkonen in the Alfa car next season.
Also read: Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton: Moments that defined F1 2021
“An incredible talent. Seeing that firsthand as a teammate for some years it was impressive. Just the amount of speed he had from the get go and the ability to get used to different conditions and different cars,” Raikkonen’s former teammate Sebastian Vettel said.
“It will be sad to know he will not be a part of the sport. He is just a legend,” Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said.
Also read: Ahead of Abu Dhabi GP, Max Verstappen asks F1 to be fair for everyone
“Amazing career. He was the last champion with Ferrari and that is a big achievement,” Fernando Alonso said.
Watch:
Meanwhile, Raikkonen’s Formula 1 career came to an end when he hit the barriers at turn six at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday. The ‘Iceman’ will not finish the last race of his glorious two-decade long stint in the sport.
Raikkonen’s brakes failed him, the rear axel locked, the car spun and crashed into the barrier. The impact was not too heavy, but the braking issue meant he could not continue.
Also read: Double Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel accused of rape
“Not how we wanted Kimi’s last race to go. All the same, a big thank you again for this great journey. We’ll miss you always!” Raikkonen’s team Alfa Romeo tweeted.
The Finnish driver in September had announced that he will retire after the season, making the Abu Dhabi GP his last.