Kimi leaving F1 at the end of 09?

[Dougboy]

Nov.11 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen says he might not be in the F1 paddock long enough to have a crack at Ferrari predecessor Michael Schumacher's bag of records.

The Finn, who will test a red racer for the first time next January following a five season tenure at McLaren, hinted on Saturday that his three-year Ferrari contract might be his last.

Asked by German newspaper Bild if he might one day sniff retired Schumacher's title and victory records, 27-year-old Raikkonen said: "Probably not.

"I will not be driving for long enough to win seven titles. Perhaps this Ferrari contract is already my last," he added.

Kimi, meanwhile, acknowledged reports that certain factions at Maranello are apparently worried that his skills as a driver do not extend to car development.

Asked if he might consider changing his approach to motor racing, Raikkonen answered: "If Ferrari want, I will work every evening until ten o'clock. I am not afraid of some hard work!"

He also said he would be 'silly' to turn down an opportunity to benefit from Schumacher's new role as an 'assistant' to team principal Jean Todt.

"I would be happy if Michael would help me to acclimatise to Ferrari," Kimi insisted, but he did not want to comment on suggestions that the 37-year-old German elected to quit rather than face Raikkonen at the wheel.

Pressed for a sneak-preview of the championship challenge next year, though, Raikkonen admitted: "My toughest opponent will not be Alonso; it will be my teammate Felipe Massa."

http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/article/1163261178/formula_one/F1headlines/Kimi-hints-at-F1-exit-in-2009/view.html

I found this article quite interesting so i decided to share it here and see what you guys think. Funny how kimi hinted that he wants to leave after his contract with ferrari. Retiring before the age of 30?

I also find it interesting that he doenst see alonso as a threat next year

 

[Blake]

Not exactly suprising, although I can see him staying on if Ferrari are really dominant for the next 3 years, or if he gets a big money offer from anyone.

 

[Earth]

Looks like hes already tired of the cut throat business of F1. Or he just doesnt have the passion for autoracing that he use to have. Or maybe he wants to get the money and get out before he gets hurt.

When I look into his eyes I dont see a determined driver

 

[TS]

Looks like hes already tired of the cut throat business of F1. Or he just doesnt have the passion for autoracing that he use to have. Or maybe he wants to get the money and get out before he gets hurt.

When I look into his eyes I dont see a determined driver

He may do what many open-wheelers are doing and going to NASCAR because they want to get their name out there so when you ask a random person on the street who Kimi Raikkonen is, you don't get a blank stare.

 

[Law93]

if he does leave, i think its too early in his career. he has a promising future in F1, and he still has to wait for the right car.

thats what i think

 

[Lee]

Kimi is a tool, I hope he fails to live up to expectations at Ferrari now that he has said that, talk about commitment..

Go Massa!

 

[darkfinal]

He may do what many open-wheelers are doing and going to NASCAR because they want to get their name out there so when you ask a random person on the street who Kimi Raikkonen is, you don't get a blank stare.

I don't think Raikkonen could care less about what american NASCAR spectators know about him. As long as entire Europe does (just come here to Spain and ask anyone who Kimi is: if you don't get an answer that person has been into a cave for the last two years), why should he care?

 

[kikie]

First, all the young drivers want to become an F1 driver and If they managed to become one, they want to stop even before their carreer has started, Strange. Even Alonso has said that he won't be as crazy as Shumacher to stay an F1 driver for so long.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Kimi's always been a fast driver, but except for the '03 season, he never had a real big chance for the title as the Mclaren became a nightmare from the MP4-20 came out. So I understand when he's frustrated and says: "If it doesn't work here, I'm out of here".

Just imagine how much frustration he must've had this season...

 

[MustangSVT]

He may do what many open-wheelers are doing and going to NASCAR because they want to get their name out there so when you ask a random person on the street who Kimi Raikkonen is, you don't get a blank stare.

And if you ask anyone here who Jimmie Johnson is, you'll get a blank stare. Maybe they might know who Jeff Gordon or Dale Jr. is (heard of them), but they won't know if/when they've won nascar championships or so on (this is in canada btw).

In europe however, if you ask anyone who Kimi Raikkonen is, they will know. I know this from experience. I live now in canada, but I was born in europe (romania) and I've gone back there past 2 years and MANY people have at least a little knowledge of F1, including who Schumacher and Raikkonen and Alonso is and all that.

 

[Earth]

To go along with what TS said I think Kimi may be leaving F1 after 3 years to join the NASCAR circuit. You can have success in NASCAR all the way into your mid 40s. In F1 when your 30 you are an old man. He knows NASCAR is waiting and with 43 seats I'm sure he could get a ride. No doubt he will struggle with the heavier cars as Montoya is, but in time he will get it.

 

[Milliethemutt]

You guys are kidding when you suggest Nascar. If he wanted to leave F1 to try a type of racing compatible with the older gent he would surely go GT/Le Mans racing.

 

[Pupik]

Anyone else find this story to be a little weird?

He hasn't actually performed one race with Ferrari yet, and he's worried about what happens after 2009. Perhaps he saw the movie 2010, and became unsettled.

 

[<_Spike_>]

Prehaps he sees it as some football players may see moving to Chelsea, dream come true and wants to end it whilst it's fresh in his memory. Still, underestimating someone is a critical mistake especially if McLaren become quite the force or Ferrari just have a dip with the loss of Schumi.

 

[Dougboy]

My guess is that he wants to leave at the prime of his career so he will be remembered as a great driver. Perhapse he will stay longer if he gets old and remains competitive (aka schumahcer). But nobody wants to be in a situation where you get old and end up in a "not so good" team (aka DC). Then again, in 2009, he will only be 29. I wouldnt say thats old considering schumacher retired at age 37

As for kimi goin to nascar? Comon, hes no juan pablo...

 

[L8 Apex]

As for kimi goin to nascar? Comon, hes no juan pablo...

Yeah, I can hear it now...

NASCAR Pit Reporter: Tough way to end the day, Kimi. What happened?
K.R.:Yeahimnotentirelysurethecialiscoronaextrawalmartmicrosoftchevyimpalawasrunningreallywellithinkwehadashotatatopfivebutheythatsracingrightwegotocharlottenextweekandtryagain.