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Kimi Raikkonen will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season.
The 2007 world champion is the most experienced grand prix driver in F1 history with 341 starts, having made his debut back in 2001.
He has spent the last three seasons racing in the lower-midfield with the Alfa Romeo team run by Sauber, with which Raikkonen started his F1 career.
While the 41-year-old has been capable of strong race drives and has still scored points twice this season, he has struggled more in qualifying.
He continued for 2021 as he had an option to extend his initial two-year deal with Alfa but this had been widely expected to be his final season.
Raikkonen announced his exit from F1 on his official Instagram page, saying he made his mind up last winter.
“This is it,” the post read. “This will be my last season in Formula 1.
“It was not an easy decision but after this season it is time for new things.
“Even though the season is still on, I want to thank my family, all my teams, everyone involved in my racing career and especially all of you great fans that have been rooting for me all this time.
“Formula 1 might come to an end for me but there is a lot more in life that I want to experience and enjoy.”
With 21 victories and 103 podiums alongside his 2007 title, Raikkonen will leave F1 as one of its most decorated drivers as well as the most experienced.
Raikkonen’s exit, announced on his own terms, paves the way for Alfa Romeo to confirm his replacement.
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has been strongly tipped to replace his fellow Finn as he is expected to lose his seat to George Russell.
Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur said earlier this season that he was open to an all-new driver line-up in 2022, which leaves the fate of Antonio Giovinazzi – Raikkonen’s team-mate for the past three seasons – unclear.
