Kimi Raikkonen’s move to Sauber has raised a few eyebrows on what Kimi is planning for his future in motorsport.
A move away from Ferrari was on the cards ever since rumours about Kimi being informed before the Monza weekend started to do the rounds.
The official confirmation did come about yesterday, and Raikkonen too confirmed today that he was indeed informed during the Monza weekend that Ferrari wouldn’t be renewing his contract.
Now, while the Ferrari exit was expected, fans did not expect a move to Sauber, as they refused to believe that Sauber had the required funds and if Kimi was willing to go to a team that had a car much, much slower than Ferrari’s.
But Kimi being Kimi, surprised us in a massive way, moving to his ‘boyhood’ team in what could be his final phase as a driver in F1.
Now, reports in Finland had earlier stated that Raikkonen might in fact become a part owner at Sauber after his 2 year driver stint with them. The reports had also suggested that Raikkonen could work as a driver/developer in these two years.
“There’s zero discussion on that [ownership],” Raikkonen said.
“Obviously, I’ve signed my contract as a driver and I hope I stay there as a driver. Who knows what happens in the future, in two years or whatever. When it’s all said and done, I’ve no idea. I don’t know myself.
“There’s always speculation and everything but I don’t have any contract about that.” he added.
He also wanted the media to know that he wasn’t sure of what the future held for Sauber or any of the other teams on track.
“Obviously I don’t know what will happen next year.
“[In fact] nobody knows what will happen next year when it comes to the speeds of the cars and the teams and obviously we can always guess but we will see what we can do. Obviously I have my reasons and that’s enough for me.
“I don’t really care what others think and as long as I’m happy with my own reasons, it’s enough for me.” Kimi said.
Kimi also trolled the journalists when asked if he had the hunger to remain in F1.
“No, I’m not actually.
“Just by pure head games for you guys I happened to sign and I’m going to spend two years there just not being happy.” the Finn stated.
Now, the part owner role might seem attractive to Kimi, who has owned motorsport teams in the past. Also, he has a brilliant relationship with everyone at Sauber and being his ‘boyhood’ team he could actually work towards giving something back.
Also, there is the added advantage of staying in the extended Ferrari family.
The Sauber move does seem like one that is based on emotion and careful calculation. Maybe, it is Kimi’s best chance to be associated with motorsport(mainly F1) in a massive, massive way. And by being owner he necessarily won’t have to do a lot of media activity, and could focus on running the show from the back ground.
Interesting times ahead for Kimi.
