Kimi Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen was a Finnish racing driver born on 17 October 1979, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion and the holder of the record for the most career race starts. Nicknamed "The Iceman" for his unflappable composure, he became one of the sport's most enduring and beloved personalities.

Räikkönen made his startling F1 debut with Sauber in 2001 after only a handful of car races, before joining McLaren, where he was a frequent title contender and championship runner-up. He moved to Ferrari for 2007 and won the Drivers' Championship in his first season with the team by a single point. After a spell in rallying, he returned with Lotus, rejoined Ferrari, and finished his career with Alfa Romeo and Sauber. He retired holding 1 title, 21 wins, 103 podiums, 18 poles and 1,873 points from 352 starts, then a record for race starts.

Famed for his deadpan radio messages and minimalist demeanour, Räikkönen combined raw natural speed with remarkable longevity, racing competitively across three decades. His no-nonsense character and silky car control made him a cult hero whose popularity transcended results.

Räikkönen drove with a smooth, instinctive style and an almost preternatural calm under pressure that earned him his "Iceman" nickname. Equally at home in the wet and renowned for his blistering qualifying and race pace at his peak, he combined elite speed with rare longevity. His understated personality made him one of the most popular drivers the sport has ever known.