Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, two Formula 1 veterans, take very different paths in the latter part of their careers.
Raikkonen is part of Ferrari’s leading team, but he decided to continue his F1 adventure by joining a less prestigious team next season with Sauber team.
The Spaniard Alonso, meanwhile, he is racing in McLaren and he chose to leave F1 at the end of the season. He has only three races to go in his career in F1 and the local crowd will offer him a big “Adios Alonso!”
The Mexico race attracts one of the biggest crowds of the season, and fans are invited to download and print Alonso’s face masks for the pre-race drivers.
“I quit because I did everything I wanted in F1,” said Alonso before the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend.
“The next races will be very emotional for me. Mexico is a special place because the public is very passionate about racing and they are close to the drivers.
“It’s going to be a party. I wish to be able to offer them a good show. I cannot wait for Sunday and see the masks. It will be something that I will remember forever.” Alonso added.
Alonso may remember a good career, but has not seen many glorious moments in recent years. He won his championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006 and finished second at Ferrari in 2010, 2012 and 2013, although the 2013 season was completely dominated by Sebastian Vettel then at Red Bull.
Kimi Raikkonen is leaving Ferrari to join Sauber next season. (Source:www.stuff.co.nz)
Since then, it is the crossing of the desert. The 37-year-old driver has not won a race since 2013. His second career at McLaren resulted in four years of frustration.
Alonso insists that it is not his lack of success that motivates him to leave F1. He now has different interests in racing. A return to the 500-mile Indianapolis is possible after his experience in 2017 where he was on the way to winning before an engine failure at the end of the race. He was part of the winning team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.
“Happy for the time spent here, grateful to the teams, fans and successes I had never dreamed of 20 years ago. Now, ready to live other experiences in motor sport and in life,” Alonso said.
Raikkonen on the other hand, he delivered battles in the race to Alonso, winning his championship in 2007 with Ferrari.
The 39-year-old driver has had his best season since returning to Ferrari in 2014. He has won his first victory since 2013 at the US Grand Prix last week. His nine other podiums this season allow Ferrari to battle with Mercedes for the constructors’ championship.
“The fact is that we are all going to stop at some point. We, the older ones, have to go through there at some point.” Raikkonen said.
“I think people do not understand that I’m really happy with my decision. I spent time with Ferrari. I won my title with them. I want to face different challenges. My family will be happy, I am happy to be with my family.” he added.
