Kimi Raikkonen’s New Role Is Contrary to His F1 Approach: “This Team Is Not What You Might Call a Hobby; It’s Very Serious”

The 2021 F1 season was certainly one of the most exciting we have seen in recent times. Looks like last year held a pedigree for thrilling championship finishes, with another example being the 2021 Motocross World Championship. Three riders battled it out for the title and KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings won the title with the tiniest of margins. French rider Romain Febvre stood a close second for the Kawasaki team, which fans will now associate with F1 ace Kimi Raikkonen.

The 2007 F1 champion decided to retire from the sport after an illustrious career spanning over 20 years. Raikkonen has shared links to the team for the past 10 years. After his retirement from F1, the team has passed the reigns of the team to the Iceman.

Raikkonen will serve as the Team Principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team, and former motocross GP winner Antti Pyrhonen will pitch in as the manager. After being handed over the reins of the team, Raikkonen discussed his plans and future with the team. However, his pointer that invited the most traction was something different.

Motocross Championship not a ‘hobby’ for Kimi Raikkonen

Raikkonen said this categorically on many occasions that Formula 1 was becoming more of a hobby for him. Fans know Kimi as someone not bothered by the code of conduct and off-track obligations of a driver. His personal dislike for interviews is a great example.

While talking to PlanetF1 back in 2019, he said, “I don’t have any special things that I try to motivate myself. It’s become more of a hobby for me lately than anything else and probably that’s why it’s more fun again.”

However, when he took over the responsibility of KRT, he emphasized the point that this job is not a hobby for him. “It’s no secret that, for me, one of my great passions in life for many years has been motocross 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,” said the 42-year-old.

“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 MXGP race calendar will begin on 20th Feb in Great Britain. After an immensely successful time in F1, fans are hoping to see Kimi excel in a different capacity.

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