Former Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen has found himself a new job in Motocross which has always been his passion.
The 2007 World Champion retired from Formula One at the end of 2021, bringing a conclusion to a career that began in 2001 and included a number of seasons away from the spotlight while he pursued other challenges such as WRC.
Having been brought up in Finland and with his off-road background, he has always enjoyed getting involved in different motorsports. Motorcross has been something he has always enjoyed getting involved with.
As a result, he’ll be taking on a lot more responsibility in motocross with his role as Team Principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP. He’ll work alongside his long-time motocross partner, Antti Pyrhonen, who he has known since they were kids.
The Iceman’s leadership role will be a change from his driving days in Formula 1, but it sounds as if he is more than ready to take on the challenge and is very determined to succeed.
“It’s no secret that, for me, one of my great passions in life for many years has been motocross,” Kimi Raikkonen said in an interview.
“But this team is not what you might call a hobby; it’s very serious, very focused and we aspire to be the best we possibly can.”
“Now I have retired from racing I will be able to spend more time on this project; not on the daily issues but more from a strategic point of view using my experience of how teams work and what creates success on the world stage.”
The former Alfa Romeo driver has a lot of world-class experience, having won multiple Formula 1 races and, of course, the 2007 Brazilian championship.
It may come as a shock that he is taking on such a role with the obligations it would entail, given his inclination for a peaceful life, but he’s always been one for a surprise or two.
There’s a fair potential that this change will assist increase MXGP’s visibility to a wider audience because many people will be curious to watch how Kimi performs, which can only be a good thing for the sport.
