Räikkönen still undecided on his future

At 40 years old and with 318 career starts, Kimi Räikkönen has already made a name for himself, winning 21 races and a world championship title in 2007. 

The oldest member of the 2020 field is coming to the end of his contract with Alfa Romeo, which he joined from Ferrari last year, at the end of the current campaign. Does he still want to be on the grid next year, while the Sauber structure which operates the team from Hinwil (Switzerland) is having a complicated 2019 year? 

« I do not know “, first replied the veteran from Espoo (Finland) in his characteristic laconic style.

Raised several times on the subject, Räikkönen confided a little more and notably recognized that his life as a father – he has two young children – could have an impact on the pursuit of his career among the elite , at Alfa or elsewhere. 

« I have to decide first what I will do and then we will see, he added. We would like to fight higher in the rankings and fight for points but nothing is ever guaranteed in this sport, whatever team you ride for. 

The big picture matters to me more and more. Family comes to the fore, children grow up. This season I spent more time at home than usual. It was great. This is the kind of factor that will help me make the decision whether to continue running or not.

There will come a time when I want to stay home and do something else, but we're not there yet ». 

His Alfa Romeo teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi does not have a contract beyond the current season. Asked about his future, the Italian confided that he was “ still too early » to bring up the subject. “ I just have to focus on being consistent and efficient “, he added without further details. 

It is rumored that Nico Hulkenberg, author of a notable freelance at Racing Point, would be a potential candidate for an Alfa Romeo steering wheel in 2021, potentially that of Räikkönen because the second seat would remain the preserve of the Ferrari engine manufacturer to place one of its protégés there. 

If Giovinazzi were not to be retained, there is no shortage of candidates since several members of the Ferrari Driver Academy are currently shining in Formula 2 : Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwarztman, and ranking leader Callum Ilott.