The 2021 Formula One season was Kimi Raikkonen’s last year on the grid. The Iceman has been on the grid for nearly two decades with a number of teams.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His last season with the Swiss-based outfit was quite disappointing as the team didn’t want to bring in upgrades as they were planning for the forthcoming season.
Fred Vasseur reveals the reason Kimi Raikkonen was disappointed
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was a sad day when the Finnish driver announced that he was leaving F1 at the end of the season. However, it was sad for him as well, as he didn’t have a competitive car on the grid. Fred Vasseur, team principal of Alfa Romeo, reveals how disappointing it was for Kimi.
Speaking to GPBlog as quoted by Motorsport.com, Vasseur said, “Of course, for Kimi, this was not what he expected at that stage of his career. But I can understand very well that we have to make this decision from a company standpoint or a team standpoint.”
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 2, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen during the press conference Hassan Ammar/Pool via REUTERS
When asked if Raikkonen reflected his “disappointment”, Vasseur added, “No, because I would say he was professional enough to avoid doing such a thing.
“My job is to put myself in their shoes and I can understand these guys perfectly… It’s very difficult for those in the pit wall or the garage when you know you won’t be updating for the next 20 races.” (Translated from Turkish via Google)
Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who will race for Alfa Romeo in 2022?
The new era of racing will also see a new driver line up at the Swiss-based outfit. Kimi Raikkonen was replaced by his countryman, Valtteri Bottas. In the other seat, Antonio Giovinazzi was replaced by Guanyu Zhou.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 14: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Alfa Romeo Racing C41 Ferrari during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 14, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Alfa Romeo is optimistic for the forthcoming season, as both Bottas and Zhou are talented drivers behind the wheel. With the 2022 F1 season just around the corner, what are your expectations from the duo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
DIVE DEEPER
Enjoyed reading this article? Download our exclusive app to get 24×7 coverage, latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
