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Kimi Raikkonen Announces He’s Here to Stay in the Coolest Possible Way

Published 10/30/2020, 5:32 AM EDT

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Alfa Romeo recently declared that they will be retaining both their drivers’ Kimi Raikkonen and Giovinazzi for the 2021 season. Although there was a lot of speculation regarding the latter’s seat, the clouds of mystery have seemingly parted.

The team is aware of the partnership he’s struck with Kimi Raikkonen and thinks it will do them well. But the old man announced his extension with the utmost charm. An Instagram story reading, “I’m not leaving”

Kimi Raikkonen is the personification of experience on the grid. The driver, now well into his forties, races better than many youngsters on Sunday.

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For a fact, he races better than his own teammate, who is almost 20 years younger than him. Thus jumping into the 20th season of his F1 career, he expressed his gratitude towards the team.

Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN is more than a team to me, it is like a second family. So many of the faces that were around me when I made my Formula One debut in 2001 are still here and the unique atmosphere of this team is what gives me that extra motivation to keep going in what will be my 19 season in the sport, next year,” read the note from the old man.

Kimi Raikkonen steps into the 41st year of his life, yet he can’t get enough of Formula 1. Honestly after the Portuguese Grand Prix, it feels like he still has the fire in his belly. The manner in which he drove the first lap reminded us of the 2007 season.

This tells us that the beast in him still roars at every opportunity and given the right moment, it will pick the leaders apart.

WATCH: Kimi Raikkonen Relives His Crazy First Lap at the Portuguese GP With Son Robin

Kimi Raikkonen spared an emotional part for the Crew

The praise for Kimi Raikkonen knows no bounds. Every person on the grid respects him and values him for his opinion. His experience surpasses almost everyone on the grid, and he has the record of the number of race starts initially held by Rubens Barrichello.

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The drivers enjoyed a touching moment, their note of gratitude spoke of their past with the team. Powered with the Ferrari engine, the chassis, and a dedicated crew, the team works beyond the heat to get results. That is what Kimi Raikkonen admires.

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I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in the team’s project and in what we feel we can achieve together. This is a team that values hard work over words and this fits well with my style,wrote Raikkonen.

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The Finnish driver took great inspiration from the likes of the great Michael Schuhmacher and James Hunt. Their technique fused with his driving style, it makes for a deadly combination. Given the new regulations and the manner of competition, the Finn can secure good points on the board. Who knows, even a podium is not unlikely.

CONFIRMED: Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi to Stay at Alfa Romeo F1 Next Season

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Written by:

Indrasish Ganguly

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Indrasish Ganguly is an F1 author at Essentially Sports. An avid fan of the F1 championship, the Kolkata based writer admires Lewis Hamilton the most on the F1 grid. His interest in racing stems from his love for cars and speed.
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