There aren’t many Formula 1 drivers who could step away from the grid, race in NASCAR, and then happily disappear into family life—all without a farewell tour. Kimi Räikkönen did exactly that. The 2007 world champion left the sport after a record 349 starts, and since then he’s been living life on his own terms. Here’s a look at what the Iceman is up to now, his career highlights, and what we still don’t know.
F1 Championships: 1 (2007) · Grand Prix Wins: 21 · Podiums: 103 · Pole Positions: 18 · Fastest Laps: 46 · F1 Seasons: 19
Quick snapshot
- Retired from F1 after 2021 season (Wikipedia)
- Won 2007 World Championship (Formula1.com)
- Married to Minttu Virtanen, two children (Autoweek)
- Raced in NASCAR Cup Series 2022-2023 (Formula One History)
- Exact current daily routine
- Net worth figures (not officially disclosed)
- Future racing plans beyond 2023
- Height (not independently verified from multiple sources)
- Official salary figures (not publicly confirmed)
- December 2021: final F1 race, Abu Dhabi GP (Formula One History)
- No confirmed future racing commitments; likely to continue family life in Finland and Switzerland (Autoweek)
Eight key facts that define Räikkönen’s journey:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimi Matias Räikkönen |
| Born | October 17, 1979 |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| F1 Debut | 2001 Australian Grand Prix (Wikipedia) |
| Final F1 Team | Alfa Romeo Racing (Wikipedia) |
| Championships | 1 (2007) |
| Wins | 21 |
| Podiums | 103 |
What’s Kimi Raikkonen doing now?
Kimi Raikkonen’s post-F1 activities
After retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, Räikkönen told Autoweek he had “zero plans” and wanted a less hectic schedule. He raced in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022 and 2023, competing in select events (Formula One History). He also participated in rally events, continuing a passion he first explored in 2010–2011.
Räikkönen’s post-F1 moves show a driver who genuinely enjoys diverse racing formats, not one clinging to the spotlight. For fans wondering if he’ll return to F1 in any role, his current trajectory suggests he’s content with occasional appearances on his own terms.
Kimi Raikkonen’s family life
Räikkönen is married to Minttu Virtanen, and they have two children: a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2017 (Autoweek). He resides in both Finland and Switzerland. In his own words, “I feel good. I’m happy I lived through it. Now I look forward to living a normal life.” (Formula1.com).
How many F1 championships did Kimi Raikkonen win?
Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title
Räikkönen won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 2007 driving for Ferrari (Formula1.com). He clinched the title at the final race in Brazil, overtaking both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in the standings.
Kimi Raikkonen’s best seasons
He finished runner-up in the championship in 2003 (McLaren) and 2005 (McLaren) (Formula One History). Over his career he accumulated 21 Grand Prix wins, 103 podiums, 18 pole positions, and 46 fastest laps (Formula1.com).
Does Kimi Raikkonen have children?
Kimi Raikkonen’s family
Yes. Räikkönen and his wife Minttu Virtanen have a son (born 2015) and a daughter (born 2017) (Autoweek). The family splits time between Finland and Switzerland.
Kimi Raikkonen’s wife
Minttu Virtanen is a Finnish model and former Miss Helsinki. The couple married in 2016 (Autoweek).
What is Kimi Raikkonen’s height?
Kimi Raikkonen physical stats
Kimi Räikkönen’s height is 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (Formula1.com).
Did Kimi Raikkonen race in NASCAR?
Kimi Raikkonen’s NASCAR appearances
Yes. Räikkönen competed in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022 and 2023, driving for Trackhouse Racing in select road-course events (Formula One History). His best finish was 37th at Watkins Glen in 2022.
Kimi Raikkonen’s rally career
Earlier, Räikkönen participated in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2010 with Citroën’s Junior Team and in 2011 with his own ICE 1 Racing team (Formula One History). He recorded a stage win and finished 10th in the championship both seasons.
Kimi Räikkönen’s career timeline
- 1979: Born in Espoo, Finland (Wikipedia)
- 2001: F1 debut with Sauber, Australian GP (Wikipedia)
- 2002–2006: McLaren years; runner-up in 2003 and 2005 (Wikipedia)
- 2007: Won World Championship with Ferrari (Wikipedia)
- 2008–2009: Ferrari; continued success (Wikipedia)
- 2010–2011: Left F1, competed in WRC (Formula One History)
- 2012–2013: Returned with Lotus; multiple wins (Wikipedia)
- 2014–2018: Second stint at Ferrari (Wikipedia)
- 2019–2021: Alfa Romeo Racing until retirement (Wikipedia)
- 2022–2023: NASCAR Cup Series appearances (Wikipedia)
The timeline illustrates how Räikkönen’s career spanned multiple eras and series, from F1 dominance to rally and NASCAR.
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Retired from F1 after 2021 season (Wikipedia)
- Won 1 World Championship (2007) (Formula1.com)
- Married to Minttu Virtanen, two children (Autoweek)
- Raced in NASCAR and WRC (Formula One History)
What’s unclear
- Exact current daily routine
- Net worth figures (not officially disclosed)
- Future racing plans beyond 2023
- Height (not independently verified from multiple sources)
- Official salary figures (not publicly confirmed)
- Current relationship with Ferrari beyond promotional events
Räikkönen’s privacy has created a vacuum of speculation around his finances and future moves. For a public figure, that’s a rare luxury — but it also leaves fans guessing whether they’ll ever see him behind the wheel again.
Quotes from the Iceman
“I feel good. I’m happy I lived through it. Now I look forward to living a normal life.”
— Kimi Räikkönen, in a statement to Formula1.com
Räikkönen told Autoweek he had “zero plans” and just wanted to be at home for a bit.
Two quotes, one voice: the Iceman wanted out of the hamster wheel, and he got it. The consistency between his private remarks and public statements adds credibility to his portrayal of post-F1 contentment.
Summary: The legacy of doing his own thing
Kimi Räikkönen’s career is a rare example of a top-tier athlete who left the spotlight without a farewell tour. He didn’t chase records, endorsements, or a TV punditry gig. Instead, he quietly returned to a life centered on family, occasional racing, and privacy. For F1 fans who grew up watching him shrug off press conferences and then deliver a stunning win, the lesson is clear: the Iceman’s legacy is defined as much by his indifference to the sport’s drama as by his championship. For the next generation of drivers, the choice is either to embrace the machine or to walk away on their own terms. Räikkönen chose the latter, and that might be his most lasting impact.
Related reading: Jann Mardenborough: Career, Crash, and Gran Turismo Facts
Frequently asked questions
What is Kimi Raikkonen’s nickname?
“Iceman” — a reference to his calm, stoic demeanor both on and off the track.
Why is he called the Iceman?
The nickname was coined early in his F1 career due to his unflappable personality and minimal emotional reactions during races and interviews.
What teams did he drive for?
Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo Racing (Formula1.com).
How many pole positions did he achieve?
18 pole positions (Formula1.com).
What is his salary?
Salary figures are not publicly disclosed; during his final F1 years estimates ranged around €5–8 million per season, but no official confirmation exists.
Is he active on social media?
He is not very active; he has an official Instagram account (@kimimatiasraikkonen) with occasional posts, mostly about racing or family.
Does he still race?
As of 2024, he has no confirmed racing schedule. He last competed in NASCAR in 2023.
What is his relationship with Ferrari?
Räikkönen drove for Ferrari in two stints (2007–2009 and 2014–2018), winning his only title with the team. He remains on good terms and has participated in Ferrari promotional events.
Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Downunder Brief, covering breaking stories and explainers.