“Kiitos—Thank You for the Ride”
To the entire Sauber Racing family, the devoted fans, and the amazing motorsport community around the world,
As I sit down to write these thoughts, I am reminded that life, like racing, consists of moments. Split-second decisions, tight corners, unforgettable victories, and, occasionally, quiet farewells. However, no matter where the journey takes you, the beginning is always important. Sauber is the place for me.
Sauber was not only my first Formula One team. It was the place that spotted potential in a shy boy from Espoo, a young man who liked racing to chatting, and gave him a shot on the world’s biggest stage. In 2001, I made my debut in Melbourne sporting the Sauber colors. I still remember the nerves, the cacophony, and the uncertainty. And I recall the people—engineers, mechanics, and team leaders—who believed in me from the start. That belief shaped my path.
Thank you, Peter Sauber, and everyone who supported the decision to place me in that seat. You didn’t simply give me a job. You offered me a dream. That one year opened doors I never imagined—to McLaren, Ferrari, and a World Championship—but Sauber was just the beginning. And I’ve never forgotten that.
Returning to the squad years later, under the Alfa Romeo banner, brought everything full circle. The faces had changed, and the technology had advanced, but the heart—the passion, the underdog spirit—remained constant. The fans’ enthusiasm also waned. Whether I was P1 or P20, the support never wavered. You applauded for me when I was on top of the podium, and you supported me when the engine failed or the tires wouldn’t stick. That loyalty mattered more than I ever said. I may not have spoken much, but I felt everything.
The entire racing community, from die-hard tifosi to young fans waving Finnish flags in the grandstands, has been a part of this trip. You accepted who I was: raw, driven, and uncensored. You chuckled during the interviews, repeated the overtakes, and stood in the rain just to catch a sight of the car passing by. Thank you for enjoying the sport and for allowing me to be myself.
Thank you, Sauber, for being much than just a team; you’re a foundation. The memories we created, the individuals I met, and the ideals I learnt will always be with me.
Motorsports will always be in my blood. Although I no longer wear the helmet every Sunday, I am proud of this chapter. This isn’t a farewell to racing; it’s a thank you to the foundation that made it all possible.
Kiitos, Sauber.
Kiitos, fans.
forever grateful.
Kimi Räikkönen
#ForeverIceman 🧊🏁.