Interview EXCLUSIVE: Kimi Raikkonen on returning to the F1 paddock, son Robin’s karting skills and his namesake Antonelli
Interview EXCLUSIVE: Kimi Raikkonen on returning to the F1 paddock, son Robin’s karting skills and his namesake Antonelli
Interview
EXCLUSIVE: Kimi Raikkonen on returning to the F1 paddock, son Robin’s karting skills and his namesake Antonelli
In an exclusive interview during his visit to the Formula 1 paddock at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Kimi Räikkönen shared insights into his life post-retirement, his son Robin’s burgeoning karting career, and his thoughts on young racing talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Life After Formula 1
Since retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, Räikkönen has embraced family life. Relocating to Italy, he has taken on the role of mechanic and mentor to his son Robin, who has embarked on his own karting journey. Räikkönen remarked, “It’s been busy. We moved to Italy, I’ve been a mechanic for Robin as he settles into karting, Rianna is doing gymnastics, and we have a small one, so a busy family life! But it’s been great.”
Robin Räikkönen’s Karting Endeavors
Nine-year-old Robin has shown a keen interest in motorsports, recently clinching the Swiss National Championship. This victory secured his spot in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals at the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Italy. Reflecting on Robin’s progress, Räikkönen emphasized the importance of enjoyment, stating, “Ah, he’s enjoying. Everything is going nicely. We’ll see. If something comes or not, who knows? But he’s having fun – that’s the main thing.”
Perspectives on Andrea Kimi Antonelli
The motorsport community has been abuzz with the rise of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a young talent who has drawn comparisons to established drivers like Max Verstappen. Antonelli’s recent signing with Mercedes for the 2025 season has positioned him as a promising figure in Formula 1’s future. While Räikkönen did not delve deeply into Antonelli’s career during the interview, his awareness of emerging talents underscores his continued engagement with the sport.
Reflections on the Current F1 Landscape
Although Räikkönen has distanced himself from the day-to-day happenings of Formula 1, he acknowledges the sport’s evolving competitiveness. He observed, “It looks like things are getting closer now in the racing, so it’s good for F1 and all the fans.” This sentiment reflects the dynamic nature of the sport, with multiple teams vying for top positions, enhancing the spectacle for enthusiasts worldwide.
Räikkönen’s return to the paddock was met with enthusiasm, highlighting the lasting impact of his illustrious career. As he supports Robin’s aspirations and observes the next generation of drivers, Räikkönen remains a significant figure in the motorsport world, embodying the passion and dedication that define racing.
For a deeper insight into Kimi and Robin Räikkönen’s approach to karting, you might find the following video informative:
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO WATCH
