An Epochal Open Letter from Kimi Räikkönen to F1 Fans and the Entire Motorsport Community
Dear Formula One, my amazing fans, and the entire motorsport community,
I don’t normally write long speeches—everyone knows I prefer to let my driving speak for itself—but today, I’d like to convey my gratitude to the sport that has been my home for so many years. From the minute I stepped into a Formula One car to the day I took my final checkered flag, my experience has been nothing short of incredible.
To Formula One, thank you for the platform, possibilities, and wonderful events. You provided a young child from Finland the opportunity to pursue his goal, compete at the highest level, and feel the excitement of racing against the best in the world. The sport has grown in so many ways, and I am grateful to have been a part of it, through successes, struggles, and ever-changing technology that continues to push the boundaries of performance.
To my fans, who have stood by me through highs and lows, you are the reason this journey has been so memorable. Whether it was cheering from the stands, following my career across multiple teams, or simply admiring my racing style, your support has meant everything. I never cared for the spotlight, but knowing that my passion for driving touched so many people made it all worthwhile. You supported me through every victory, every challenging race, and, of course, every classic “leave me alone, I know what I’m doing” moment.
The entire motorsport community—teams, engineers, mechanics, other drivers, and everyone working behind the scenes—has contributed to the success of this sport. Racing is about more than simply the driver in the car; it’s about the devotion, ability, and passion of so many individuals coming together to create something spectacular. I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s top teams and individuals, and I will be eternally grateful for the lessons learned and connections formed along the road.
One thing will remain constant in my life beyond Formula One: my passion for racing. Whether on the track, in rallying, or simply having fun behind the wheel, I’ll always be a racer at heart.
Thank you all for taking part in our journey.
See you around.
Kimi Räikkönen