Raikkonen Fined by Police in Switzerland

Finnish former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen may be a master of Monaco’s high-speed hairpin bends, but a quiet street in central Switzerland proved too much for him. He has been fined for crashing into a parked car near his residence.

The 38-year-old, who currently drives for Ferrari, had been ordered to pay a CHF350 ($353) fine after hitting a parked car in his hometown on May 18, the Swiss News Agency said on Friday, confirming reports by the Luzerner Zeitungexternal link and the St. Galler Tagblatt. He will also have to pay a CHF450 administrative fee, it said.

Raikkonen had reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and collided with a car parked to his right.

Police in canton Zug did not immediately respond to a request for comment, AFP reported.

Last month, Raikkonen learnt that Ferrari would not be retaining his services for 2019. He will move to Swiss team Sauber for at least the next few seasons. For now, the Finn will be seeing out his contract with Ferrari before jumping ship.

Raikkonen’s departure was inevitable, but many expected him to retire instead of joining another team. Meanwhile, his place will be taken by Ferrari prodigy Charles LeClerc for 2019.

Also, the 2007 world champion will not be joined on the grid by fellow veteran and champion, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard opted to leave the sport altogether to pursue other goals. Alonso is now aiming to achieve the famed ‘Triple Crown’, a lofty goal that few have reached.

Alonso has already completed 2/3rds of the ‘Crown’ and is aiming to win the Indy 500. However, Kimi on the other hand has no such personal goals. The Finn will instead be focused on propelling Alfa Romeo-Sauber up the order. He also could perform a role as a semi-mentor for future teammate Antonio Giovinazzi.