Columnist and Formula One Analyst Joe Morin takes a look at the legacy of one of F1’s most successful and interesting stars
By Joe Morin | June 11, 2026 | Joemorinthef1guy on X
Few Formula One drivers have captivated fans quite like Kimi Räikkönen. Nicknamed “The Iceman,” the Finnish driver became famous not only for his exceptional speed but also for his dry personality, blunt radio messages, and complete disregard for the spotlight. In a sport filled with polished media personalities, Räikkönen stood apart by simply being himself.
His Formula One career spanned from 2001 to 2021, making him one of the longest-serving drivers in the sport’s history. By the time he retired, he had amassed 21 Grand Prix victories, 103 podium finishes, and the 2007 Formula One World Championship.
The Unlikely Arrival
Räikkönen’s journey to Formula One was anything but conventional. After impressing in karting and junior formula racing, he was promoted to Formula One by Sauber in 2001 despite having only a handful of car races under his belt. His lack of experience raised eyebrows throughout the paddock, but he quickly silenced critics by scoring points on his debut and displaying extraordinary natural talent.
His performances immediately attracted the attention of McLaren, who signed him as the successor to fellow Finnish champion Mika Häkkinen.
The Nearly Man at McLaren
Between 2002 and 2006, Räikkönen established himself as one of the fastest drivers on the grid. His raw speed was undeniable, and many observers believed he was the quickest driver in Formula One during the mid-2000s.
Unfortunately for Räikkönen, McLaren’s cars were often plagued by reliability issues. Despite this, he finished runner-up in the championship twice, in 2003 and 2005. Many fans still argue that he would have won multiple championships had mechanical failures not cost him so many points. During his McLaren years, he claimed nine victories and regularly battled legends such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
Ferrari Glory and a Championship for the Ages
In 2007, Räikkönen made the move to Ferrari, replacing Schumacher in one of the most high-profile transfers in Formula One history.
The season produced one of the greatest championship battles ever seen. Going into the final race in Brazil, Räikkönen trailed McLaren teammates Alonso and rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton. Against the odds, he won the race and captured the championship by a single point. It remains one of the closest title finishes in Formula One history.
To this day, Räikkönen remains Ferrari’s most recent Drivers’ World Champion. The Iceman Off the Track
While his driving made headlines, it was often Räikkönen’s behaviour away from the track that made him a cult hero.
He rarely enjoyed media obligations, often responding to questions with just a few words. His famous one-liners became legendary among fans. Whether it was falling asleep before a media event, walking straight to his yacht after retiring from the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix, or delivering unforgettable radio messages, Räikkönen always did things his own way.
His most famous radio message came during the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix while driving for Lotus:
“Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.”
The quote instantly became one of the most iconic moments in Formula One history and perfectly summed up his personality.
The Successful Comeback
After leaving Ferrari at the end of 2009, Räikkönen spent two seasons competing in rallying before making a surprise return to Formula One with Lotus F1 Team in 2012.
Many doubted whether he could still compete at the highest level. Instead, he delivered one of the most successful comebacks in Formula One history. He finished third in the championship in 2012, won races again, and quickly reminded everyone why he had been considered one of the fastest drivers of his generation.
The Final Years
Räikkönen returned to Ferrari in 2014 and spent five more seasons with the Scuderia. Although he never challenged seriously for another championship, he remained a valuable team player and fan favourite.
One final highlight came in 2018 when he won the United States Grand Prix, ending a victory drought that had lasted more than five years. It would prove to be the final win of his Formula One career.
He then returned to Sauber, now operating as Alfa Romeo Racing, where he spent his final seasons mentoring younger drivers and enjoying racing without the pressure of competing at the front.
A Legacy Unlike Any Other
Statistics alone cannot fully explain Kimi Räikkönen’s popularity. While he was not the most successful driver in Formula One history, he was undoubtedly one of the most beloved. Fans admired his authenticity in a sport often dominated by corporate messaging and media training.
Many drivers are remembered for championships. Others are remembered for their personalities. Räikkönen managed to be remembered for both.
Upon his retirement in 2021 after a record-setting 349 Formula One starts, he left behind a legacy built on speed, honesty, and individuality. He demonstrated that one could become a world champion without altering one’s identity.
For millions of Formula One fans worldwide, Kimi Räikkönen will always be remembered as the sport’s ultimate eccentric—a driver who spoke little, raced brilliantly, and became a legend simply by being himself.
