Raikkonen still giving nothing away on F1 future

Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen is still very relaxed about his future in Formula 1 as the annual whispers of retirement return.

The question of when the 2007 World Champion – who will go down as one of the sport’s all-time greats – will hang up his gloves is never too far away, especially when you consider he will be 42 years of age by the time the 2021 campaign ends.

And, with team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi looking more capable of rising to the challenge at Alfa Romeo and being billed as a future “team leader” by them, it has only added further speculation to Raikkonen’s own plans beyond 2021.

This weekend, Kimi Raikkonen will equal former team-mate @RGrosjean's record of most starts with a single car number!#Kimi7 #FrenchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/J3Tv5En0t4

— Lights Out ●●●●● (@LightsOutF1Blog) June 14, 2021

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But, calm as ever, Raikkonen is no closer to finalising his future plans.

“There is no difference from last year,” Raikkonen told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com.

“We’re in the same situation, we’ll see what happens. At the moment I want to do what I enjoy, keep fit and see what the future holds.”

As for his post-racing ventures, it will perhaps come as no surprise that becoming a team boss or an advisor is not at the very top of Raikkonen’s list.

“I don’t know where I’ll be in five or ten years’ time,” Raikkonen continued.

“Whether I’ll be team principal or advisor…at the moment I’d say no, but you never know.”

Reflecting on his rise through the ranks to reach Formula 1 and comparing it to the drivers of the present day, Raikkonen thinks the current crop arrive at the pinnacle of the motorsport with much more valuable experience compared to when he was starting out.

“Everything is different now than when I started,” he reflected.

“I had very little experience with competition cars. Nowadays the guys are more experienced with the minor formulas, thanks to Formula 2 and Formula 3. I took a big step from Formula Renault to Formula 1 so the sport has changed.

“I’m still the same, I’m just a little bit older.

“Life changes you in different ways and you gain experience.

“Sometimes they are positive, sometimes less so. I try to do my best, always, and life goes on.”

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