Kimi Raikkonen is known to be quite the character. Over the course of his F1 career that has spanned nearly two decades, Kimi is known to most people, as a person who doesn’t like to speak much. He’s known for his dry humour, cold personality and often wild antics. He once left a race midway, in his full livery to chill on a yacht, after his McLaren broke down. However, After the birth of his first child, Kimi has become more of a family man and reveals how that played a role in his signing for Alfa Romeo.

Kimi Raikkonen reveals he signed for Alfa Romeo to be closer to his family

Formula One interviewed the ‘Iceman.’ When asked why he chose Alfa, after he left Ferrari, Kimi said, “It helps a lot (to be closer to home). When you have to go to do some things for the team, you don’t have to leave the country. You’re there in 40 minutes, do what you need to do, and then you’re back early afternoon. You save a few hours here and there, but over the year it starts to be a long time.”

At Raikkonen’s age, it is important to balance racing, with other things such as his personal life with his family. Signing for Alfa Romeo did just that for Kimi. Being closer to his family, he can dedicate a good amount of time for his family while also enjoying whatever time he has left, in F1.

Kimi’s first F1 campaign for Alfa Romeo, last year, was a tale of two halves. In the first 12 races of the season, Kimi impressed fans by racking up 31 points in a not so good Alfa car. However, in his last 9 races, Kimi managed only 12 points. Those 12 points came from a 4th place finish in Brazil.

Kimi will be looking to imitate the form that he showcased in the first half of the season. He’ll hopefully, also provide the fans with some more classic press conference and team radio moments. Enjoy this man while you can folks. a character like him is truly one of a kind.