Arrivabene confirms it was his decision to drop Kimi Raikkonen

The Ferrari-Raikkonen marriage came to an end post the Italian GP, with Ferrari deciding not to renew Kimi’s contract and instead deciding to go ahead with the young and impressive Charles Leclerc.

Reports had suggested that the decision was made much earlier, as Sergio Marchionne had his heart set on Leclerc and wanted to sign him up at the first opportunity.

But with the new management coming in post Marchionne’s death, things got a little ‘confusing’.

According to the rumours, the new management wanted Kimi to continue for another year so as to help stabilise the transition.

However, in an interview with Sky Italia, Arrivabene has confirmed that it was his decision to let Kimi go.

Arrivabene explained that it was one of the hardest decisions of his life but had to be taken keeping the future of the team in mind.

“It was my decision,” Arrivabene said as quoted by Sky Sports.

“They understood the logic behind the decision, but I was the one who made it.” he added.

Arrivabene explained that it was extremely difficult for him to communicate this to Kimi, as the duo are good friends, but conceded that the Finn was extremely professional about it.

“For me, Kimi is also a friend, so you can imagine how heartbreaking it was to tell him,” he said.

“Drivers are just as human as I am, but in situations like that they are treated as professionals.” he continued.

The moment was heartbreaking for all the stakeholders involved and for all Kimi fans all around the globe. But on the upside, we should be able to enjoy Kimi in F1 for at least the next year or so.