On the eve of the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix, Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen tested positive for coronavirus. “He shows no symptoms and is in a good mood. He was immediately placed in solitary confinement in his hotel »said Alfa Romeo Racing for which the former world champion is racing. In his place, reserve driver Robert Kubica will take to the track in the number 88 single-seater. Moreover, just on the eve of the Zandvoort race, Raikkone had announced his retirement from the circus at the end of the season.
«I had a good career, I’m happy with the results. I’ve won a World Cup, I’ve been close to it other times. It is never easy to win. I’m happy to have won the World Championship with Ferrari »said Raikkonen a few days ago, in the press conference on the eve of free practice for the Dutch Grand Prix:« I enjoyed it, I always did things my way and I wouldn’t change anything. I have nothing to complain about, absolutely. Formula 1 was not my life, it took a long time, but it was never the main thing ».
The Finn, who will turn 42 on 17 October, was the last driver to take Ferrari to the world title (2007), ahead of the then McLaren duo of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton by just one point. Nicknamed Iceman for the lack of verve often shown in front of the cameras, such as to make him always appear ‘cold’ and detached, also due to the lack of interest in interviews.
Since 2001, the year of his debut on the circuit at the wheel of the Sauber, he has disputed 342 Grands Prix with 21 wins, 18 pole positions, 46 fastest race laps and 103 podiums since his debut. He also drove for McLaren and Lotus.