Kimi Räikkönen, the famously stoic and fiercely talented Finnish racing legend, received the Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony filled with emotion, admiration, and motorsport royalty for his unparalleled contributions to car racing and his ongoing commitment to the growth of grassroots motorsports around the world.
Räikkönen, widely known as “The Iceman,” has a career spanning more than two decades, defined by sheer speed, daring racing, and unwavering coolness under duress. From his dazzling Formula One debut with Sauber in 2001 to winning the World Championship with Ferrari in 2007, Kimi became a symbol of pure racing brilliance — unfiltered, uncompromising, and unforgettable. With almost 350 Grand Prix starts, 21 race wins, and several podium finishes, Räikkönen has long been regarded as one of Formula One’s greatest drivers.
However, it is Kimi’s achievements outside of F1 that have won him this remarkable lifetime distinction.
Following his retirement from Formula One, Räikkönen focused on giving back to the sport that defined his life. He became a formidable champion for grassroots motorsports development, particularly in regions and communities with little access to competitive racing. Recognizing that talent may emerge from anyplace, Kimi has donated equipment, provided guidance, and ensured that aspiring racers do not face financial barriers.
His work in his native Finland has had a particularly significant influence. Räikkönen collaborated with local motorsport federations to construct safer, more accessible karting facilities and personally supported training programs for poor youngsters. He’s also made appearances at junior racing events, often without fanfare, to give advise and support to the next generation of drivers.
During the award event in Monaco, the symbolic center of global racing, Kimi maintained his famously simple demeanor while accepting the honor, but his words carried undeniable weight. “I never raced for awards or attention,” he told me. “I raced because I like it. And I want kids everywhere, no matter where they come from, to experience that same love and have the opportunity to follow it.
Kimi also thanked everyone who supported him on his trip. “This is a team sport,” he explained. “From engineers to mechanics to family — none of this is possible alone.”
Tributes flowed in from around the racing world. Former colleagues, opponents, and protégés praised Kimi’s genuineness, loyalty, and modest compassion. Lewis Hamilton described him as “one of the purest racers of our generation,” while Charles Leclerc, who took over the Ferrari team, commended Räikkönen for helping him “understand the sport beyond the cockpit.”
Kimi Räikkönen stood on stage, modest and restrained as usual, reminding the world that brilliance does not always yell; it may speak softly, drive swiftly, and give back. His Lifetime Achievement Award is more than just a recognition of a successful career; it is also a tribute to the spirit of racing and the future it represents.
Congratulations, Kimi – you are a true track legend.