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Kimi Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen is a Finnish former racing and rally driver best known for competing in Formula One from 2001 to 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kimi Räikkönen is a Finnish former racing and rally driver best known for competing in Formula One from 2001 to 2021. Nicknamed “The Iceman,” he won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 2007 with Ferrari and finished his F1 career with 21 Grand Prix victories. He is relevant to Canadian motorsport readers as a Formula One world champion and one of the sport’s most recognisable international drivers.

Early life and karting

Räikkönen was born in Espoo, Finland, and began karting as a child before moving through junior motorsport categories. His early progress led to a rapid rise into professional single-seater racing.

Formula One career

He entered Formula One in 2001 and raced for Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo. His greatest success came in 2007, when he won the championship driving for Ferrari. Formula 1 lists his career totals as 21 wins, 103 podiums, 18 poles, and 46 fastest laps.

Rallying and later career

After leaving Formula One in 2009, Räikkönen spent two seasons in the World Rally Championship. He later returned to F1 in 2012 and remained in the championship until his retirement in 2021.

Legacy

Räikkönen is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive drivers of his era, known for his calm demeanour and direct communication style. His long career and consistent results made him one of Finland’s most successful Formula One drivers.

Key facts

  • Räikkönen competed in Formula One for 19 seasons between 2001 and 2021.
  • He won the 2007 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari.
  • He was nicknamed “The Iceman.”
  • He also competed in the World Rally Championship from 2009 to 2011.
  • Formula 1 lists his career totals as 21 wins, 103 podiums, 18 poles, and 46 fastest laps.
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Canadian context

Räikkönen has no major Canada-specific background, but he is relevant to Canadian motorsport readers as a Formula One world champion and one of the sport’s most recognisable international drivers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kimi Räikkönen?
He is a Finnish former racing driver best known for Formula One, where he raced from 2001 to 2021.
What is Kimi Räikkönen famous for?
He is famous for winning the 2007 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari.
Why was he called “The Iceman”?
That nickname was used for his calm, unemotional public persona and racing style.
Which Formula One teams did he drive for?
He drove for Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo.
Did he race outside Formula One?
Yes. He competed in the World Rally Championship from 2009 to 2011.
How many Formula One wins did he have?
He won 21 Grands Prix in Formula One.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimi_R%C3%A4ikk%C3%B6nen
    Supports: Birth name, nationality, birth date and place, Formula One and World Rally Championship career dates, championship title, nickname, and Grand Prix wins.
  2. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/information/drivers-hall-of-fame-kimi-raikkonen.4Ykdt9U76gWO40cNbjaMXf
    Supports: Retirement in 2021, total starts, wins, podiums, poles, fastest laps, title, and team history.
  3. McLaren — https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/formula-1/drivers/kimi-raikkonen/
    Supports: Career timeline, move from karting to Formula Renault, Formula One debut, Ferrari title, and return to F1.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1688722/bio/
    Supports: Birth details, nickname, teams, championship title, and total Grand Prix wins.