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Kimi: Ferrari decision not mine
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Kimi Raikkonen was hardly in the mood to talk about why he鈥檚 leaving Ferrari next season.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of Sunday鈥檚 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, he reverted to his typically monosyllabic and nonchalant style when asked about the reasons for his departure. It was announced this week that Ferrari will not be renewing the Finnish driver鈥檚 contract in 2019.
鈥淭his is what happened. It鈥檚 not up to me and it鈥檚 not my decision,鈥 Raikkonen said yesterday. 鈥淭his is the outcome. At least we have an outcome.鈥
His seat is going to Charles Leclerc. The 20-year-old from Monaco is joining from Sauber, while Raikkonen is heading to Sauber on a two-year deal.
Raikkonen was asked if he was happy to join a lesser team like Sauber, where he started his F1 career in 2001. He replied bluntly, while staring ahead with his piercing gaze.
鈥淲hy not?鈥 Raikkonen asked the news conference interviewer. 鈥淏ecause I want to go. Why do you make it so complicated?鈥
Raikkonen won the F1 title in 2007 driving for Ferrari, and has 20 wins among his 100 career podiums.
Aside from driving skills, he has become a huge hit with fans for his sense of detachment and disinterest when talking about himself. He even seemed to be reveling in his role this time, veering into sarcasm as he fielded a question regarding his age.
Raikkonen will be 39 when he takes the grid for Sauber next year, making him comfortably the oldest driver on the grid.
Asked if he is still passionate about racing, despite his advancing years, he replied stone-faced: 鈥淣o, I鈥檓 not, actually.鈥
Raikkonen was informed of Ferrari鈥檚 decision a little less than two weeks ago, during the team鈥檚 home race at the Italian GP in Monza.
After finding out, he quickly turned to some old friends at Sauber and contract discussions proved straightforward.
鈥淚 obviously know people from the past and it started after that,鈥 he said, adding that this will likely be his last contract. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a big chance for sure.鈥
Raikkonen lies third in the ongoing series. 鈥淚 will stop (racing) when I feel it is right for me,鈥 he insisted.
Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel has enjoyed a trusting relationship with Raikkonen, and will miss him.
鈥淭he most important thing as teammates is the respect you have for each other,鈥 said Vettel, a four-time F1 champion. 鈥淥bviously, it鈥檚 a great chance for Charles, but sad to know Kimi鈥檚 not there anymore, because we get along very well even though we鈥檙e different.鈥
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