Kimi Says That He Might Quit Formula One

Formula 1 | Dean | October 2, 2009 at 22:49

Kimi Raikkonen has said that he might walk away from Formula One after he has lost his place in the Ferrari team. It has been confirmed that Fernando Alonso will replace Kimi in the red team.

The Finnish driver said that, “So far I have not really talked too much about what I will do next as I still have time to make my decision and I will let you know when I have,”

“For the moment, I haven’t decided what I want to do next, whether I want to continue racing or not.

“I had a contract for next year, but now I don’t, so that changes things. So maybe I race, maybe I do not,” added the Finn.

Raikkonen has said that he feels as if commercial issues have played a part in his departure, as a Spanish bank has become a major Ferrari backer.

“You can ask them (the team) but of course in F1 even if you have a contract there is always a lot of money involved and there can always be different options in life and that’s what happened,” he said.

“There’s not just one reason for the whole thing.”

Despite Kimi hinting to leave F1, there is a strong possibility that he can still join the McLaren team and once again race for them. The Fin has always had a good relationship with the McLaren team, and a current partnership with Hamilton is definitely a possibility.

“If I do decide to stay in Formula One, I wouldn’t go to any of the small teams, where I would not have the chance to fight for the championship,” he said.

“If I race next year, that would be my goal, otherwise there is no reason to be in Formula One. I achieved what I wanted, but if I race, then of course I want to win more races and championship titles.”

Kimi has already taken part in a few rallies, and this might be a new venture to explore.

“There’s a chance to do that, but there’s as much of a chance that I continue in Formula One,” he said. “I will decide before the start of next year for sure.”