Raikkonen Rules Out 2012 Formula One Return, Says Finnish Press
Kimi Raikkonen has dismissed speculation of a Formula One comeback for 2012, with Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reporting his focus remains on rallying and endurance racing.
Kimi Raikkonen will not return to Formula One for the 2012 season, according to a report published by Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat on 21 September 2011. The former world champion, who left Ferrari and F1 at the end of 2009, is said to have ruled out a comeback despite recent speculation linking him to a seat at Williams.
Ilta-Sanomat confirmed that Raikkonen visited the Williams factory, which had prompted a wave of speculation about a possible deal. However, the paper reports that Raikkonen does not see Formula One as his future and is not pursuing a seat for next year. The 31-year-old Finn, who won the 2007 world title with Ferrari and has 18 grand prix victories, reportedly considers his time in F1 finished for now.
Raikkonen’s post-F1 career has included campaigns in the World Rally Championship, a NASCAR debut and appearances in endurance racing. According to Ilta-Sanomat, his plans for 2012 are focused on further rally outings, as well as entries in the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The paper states Raikkonen is convinced his Formula One chapter closed when he left Ferrari.
Williams speculation and Raikkonen’s priorities
The possibility of a Williams seat arose after Raikkonen’s visit to the team’s Grove headquarters, but Ilta-Sanomat reports that this was not the start of negotiations for a race drive. The Finn’s management has not commented publicly on the visit, and no formal offer from Williams has been confirmed. Raikkonen previously made clear that his F1 future was undecided, but the latest report indicates a firm decision against returning in 2012.
Raikkonen’s departure from F1 at the end of 2009 followed a seven-year spell at the front of the grid, first with McLaren and then Ferrari. Since then, he has pursued a varied motorsport career, competing in WRC events and making a brief foray into NASCAR. His interest in iconic events such as Le Mans and the American oval classics signals a continued focus on new challenges outside Formula One.
No immediate F1 comeback expected
While Raikkonen’s name has surfaced in F1 rumour columns throughout 2011, Ilta-Sanomat’s report leaves little room for an imminent return. The Finn’s current priorities lie elsewhere, and he is not expected on the 2012 Formula One grid. For those following Raikkonen’s future in motorsport, his next moves will be in rallying and endurance racing rather than a Formula One paddock.
For more on Raikkonen’s evolving career decisions, seeRaikkonen Says F1 Future an Open Question.
