Räikkönen’s career took off when he joined McLaren in 2002. Over the next five seasons, he established himself as one of the fastest drivers in the sport, though reliability issues often robbed him of potential championships. His defining moment came in 2007, when he joined Ferrari and clinched the World Championship in dramatic fashion, beating Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in the final race of the season. He remained with Ferrari until 2009 before taking a break from Formula 1 to compete in the World Rally Championship.
In 2012, Räikkönen made a remarkable comeback with Lotus, proving his enduring talent by winning races and consistently challenging at the front. He returned to Ferrari in 2014, where he remained until 2018, claiming his final Formula 1 victory at the United States Grand Prix that year. His last chapter in the sport was with Alfa Romeo from 2019 to 2021, where he became the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history at the time of his retirement, with 349 race starts.
Beyond his statistics—21 wins, 103 podiums, 18 pole positions, and 46 fastest laps—Räikkönen is remembered for his personality. He earned the nickname “The Iceman” for his calm, stoic approach and his refusal to be drawn into the media circus. His blunt remarks became part of Formula 1 folklore, such as the now legendary “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing” during a race. He once quipped “I was having a shit” when asked why he missed a ceremony, and famously told reporters “I don’t care what people think of me”. Another classic line came when asked about his hobbies: “I race, I drink, and I fuck”, a brutally honest summary of his lifestyle.
Outside of Formula 1, Räikkönen explored rallying and other motorsport disciplines, further showcasing his versatility. He is married to Minna-Mari “Minttu” Virtanen, with whom he has three children. Even in retirement, he remains a cult figure in motorsport, celebrated for his individuality and his refusal to conform to the polished image often expected of modern athletes.
