Kimi Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen

Team	Ferrari
Nationality	Finnish
Podiums	62
Points	579
Grand Prix entered	157
World Championships	1
Highest race finish	1 (x18)
Highest grid position	1 (x16)
Date of Birth	17/10/1979
Place of Birth	Espoo

 

2009

Lacklustre early form prompts critics to suggest he's lost interest, but breaks back onto podium with third place in Monaco, second in Hungary and then Ferrari's only 2009 win in Belgium. Drops off the pace in latter races as team halt F60 development. Loses drive to Fernando Alonso for 2010.

2008

Strong start to season before championship-winning form of 2007 deserts him, particularly in qualifying. Ends year playing supporting role to team mate Felipe Massa, despite a record-equalling 10 fastest laps. Re-signs for a further two seasons with Ferrari.

2007

Wins on his very first appearance for Ferrari in Australia and goes on to take a further five victories, including a vital win at the final round in Brazil, which sees him come from behind to take his first drivers' title by a single point.

2006

Fails to win a race in final season for McLaren, whose car is unable to match the performance of Renault's and Ferrari's. Nevertheless scores in every round he finishes to take fifth in the standings. Signs new deal with Ferrari for 2007.

2005

Five poles, seven wins, five podiums, but only second in the championship due to reliability issues. Greatest victory arguably at Suzuka, where he starts 17th on the grid and passes Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella on the final lap to win.

2004

Early-season reliability problems put an early end to championship hopes, but he proves his resilience with pole position at Silverstone and a superb victory over Ferrari's Michael Schumacher in the Belgian Grand Prix.

2003

Takes maiden Grand Prix win in Malaysia and a total of ten podium finishes. Emerges as Michael Schumacher's most consistent title challenger. Runner-up in the drivers' championship, just two points behind the German.

2002

Joins McLaren and takes three third places and a second in his first season with the team.

2001

A strong debut season for Sauber. He takes nine points to finish 10th in the drivers' championship and manages ten top-ten qualifying performances.

2000

British Formula Renault champion. Competes in three rounds of the European Formula Renault championship and takes two wins, two poles and two fastest laps.

1999

Competes in British Formula Ford and Formula Renault, winning the latter's winter series.

1998

Finnish karting champion, plus strong performances in numerous international karting series.