2007 F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen bid adieu to the sport after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. One of the most loved figures of the sport, Raikkonen enjoyed a 20-year long stint in F1, racing for multiple outfits. Raikkonen carried a distinct personality; his off-track persona added beautifully to his on-track heroics.

A true family man, a straightforward interviewee, and a racer extraordinaire may have left the sport, but his legacy continues. F1’s official YouTube channel recently shared a video titled, “All Access: Kimi Raikkonen’s Final Race In F1”. The 13-min long video covered Raikkonen’s last race weekend as an F1 driver.

From his last press conference to drivers’ briefing sessions, the footage had it all. However, one highlight which appealed to so many fans was his relationship with teammate Giovinazzi. Kimi famously said he considers Sebastian Vettel and Antonio Giovinazzi his only friends in F1 and fans can easily witness this wholesome bond between the two in this clip.

The Abu Dhabi GP was Giovinazzi’s last race with the outfit as well. Moreover, his exit from the sport, at least for 2022, was not the most decorated one. But leaving aside everything, his love and appreciation for Raikkonen stood out in that clip for sure.

Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi: A bond beyond F1

The two drivers shared seats in the Alfa Romeo team for 3 seasons between 2019 and 2021. Now, they are replaced by the duo of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou for the 2022 F1 season. However, their wholesome equation during the last race is making the fans miss them even more.

Antonio’s racing helmet in Abu Dhabi had “Thanks Kimi” written over it, something that took Raikkonen by surprise as well. After the end of the last race, Kimi gave Antonio a signed helmet saying, “Remember, don’t use my helmet”. To this Antonio replied smiling, “Not anymore”. Something that made a lot of fans emotional was, though it was the last race of Giovinazzi as well, all he talked about was Kimi and how grateful he was to share a seat with him.

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Towards the end, Kimi and his kids said goodbye to Antonio, promising that they will meet soon in Italy, at Antonio’s home. After the Italian driver gave a heartwarming hug to Kimi’s kids wishing them a Merry Christmas, Kimi cheekily said, “And remember to ask for Christmas presents”. Kimi wished him a safe trip back home.

Such an underrated pair and many believe it’s a friendship that will continue even though they aren’t teammates anymore. In the end, from the fans and from us, Kiitos Kimi, Thanks for the memories.

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