FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Raikkonen has revealed he is considering the possibility of quitting Formula 1 after his contract was terminated by Ferrari.
Raikkonen will be replaced by Fernando Alonso next season after Ferrari negotiated a buy-out of the final year of his mammoth $US50 million per annum contract.
While Raikkonen has been linked with a switch t o McLaren, the Finn said he remains undecided over the future direction of his career.
“So far I have not talked too much about what I will do next, as I still have time to make my decision and I will let you know when I have,” he said.
“For the moment, I haven’t decided what I want to do next, whether I want to continue racing or not. I had a contract for next year, but now I don’t, so that changes things. So maybe I race, maybe I do not.”
Following his short lived foray into the World Rally Championship at Rally Finland in July/August, rumours emerged suggesting Raikkonen would consider a full-time switch next season.
The 29-year-old further fuelled those claims yesterday, suggesting a potential move to rallying is under consideration, and a 50-50 proposition.
“Yes, there’s a chance to do that, but there’s as much of a chance that I continue in Formula 1,” he said.
“I will decide before the start of next year for sure. If I do decide to stay in Formula 1, I wouldn’t go to any of the small teams, where I would not have the chance to fight for the championship.”
After winning the drivers’ title during his debut season at Maranello, Raikkonen’s relationship with Ferrari began to fray, with reports from Italy suggesting a growing frustration at his seemingly blasé attitude and poor 2008 season.
Indeed, Raikkonen only managed to win an additional three races in the two seasons following his triumphant 2007 campaign, compared to Felipe Massa’s six.
However, Raikkonen hinted the reason behind his axing was largely a commercial decision, influenced by the arrival of Spanish bank Santander as a major sponsor at Ferrari.
“There are many reasons. In F1 there is always a lot of money and there can always be different options. That’s what happened in the end. It’s nothing to do with racing or what I do in the team,” he said.
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Kimi is a good driver. He is right. No point in going to a team that will not support a winner like him. Ferrari sucks. They have treated him shabbily. Good luck to Massa. He will never get the WDC with an arrogant Alonso as teammate. Kimi is a team player, but Alonso is all ego. I’m going to follow Kimi wherever he goes. I’m sure all of his fans will. Goodbye, Ferrari.
This is how Ferrari repay hime after winning the 07′ championship for them? Typical Facisit Italians. Massa hasn’t really done much better considering he has been with the team longer.
Raikkonen is still in my opinion one of the fastest drivers in F1 at the moment. In the right team he would be devistating. But in his current position with the teams lack of support he just looks like a defeated man who has lost the passion for driving in F1.
I would really like to see him go back to McLaren and for Ron Denise and the guys to give him 100% equal support. He would definately give Hamilton a run for his money.
McLaren will be the team to beat in 2010, I could easily see a Hamilton/Raikkonen clean sweep of the season.
This is how Ferrari repay hime after winning the 07′ championship for them? Massa hasn’t really done much better considering he has been with the team longer.
Raikkonen is still in my opinion one of the fastest drivers in F1 at the moment. In the right team he would be devistating. But in his current position with the teams lack of support he just looks like a defeated man who has lost the passion for driving in F1.
I would really like to see him go back to McLaren and for Ron Denise and the guys to give him 100% equal support. He would definately give Hamilton a run for his money.
McLaren will be the team to beat in 2010, I could easily see a Hamilton/Raikkonen clean sweep of the season.
With all the hype and expectation that surrounded Kimi’s move from Mclaren, never mind the huge salary he has been earning, he should have been on the top of his game from the word go. Instead he blows hot and cold, very rarely consistent enough to stay with a top team like Ferrari. If he is as good as all the hype that surrounds him, can I for one please see it sometime? FORZA FERRARI!!!!
Raikkonen has been paid a total of $200 million to race for Ferrari.
I’m sorry, but nine victories isn’t enough of a return from a driver earning $50 million per annum. The last year of his contract is being paid out, so it equates to $22 million per race victory.
Dear me, what an investment..
Kimi would have to be one of my favourite drivers, and I’m sad to see him go from Ferrari, but whilst he has performed well this year considering the car, its not at the level his pay packet demanded. He was paid out of his contract quite generously too. From the sounds of it Kimi with either go McLaren or WRC, as no other team that could challenge for the WDC have the spots available.
My worry is this.
When will Ferrari invest in some decent hats for their drivers to wear at the press interviews.
These oversized things Kimi has to wear makes him look a dork.
Which he is NOT.
With so many teams and drivers leaving F1 next year - it looks liek it will be pretty easy for Jensen Button to defend his 09 Championship