MONTREAL — Asked about the rumors he’s considering retirement, Kimi Raikkonen says he doesn’t know if he will continue racing after his Ferrari contract expires at the end of 2009.
“There have been rumors like that for many years,” he said. “I always say that I still have a contract until the end of next year. I haven’t made any decision as to whether I will keep going or not. So far, that’s the last contract that I have and we will see during this year and next year what happens.”
Would he consider driving for any other team besides Ferrari?
“Probably not.”
Is he talking with Ferrari about renewing his contract?
“Kind of yes, but like I said, there is no decision made yet.”
All drivers dislike the various PR and media commitments they have to do, but Raikkonen hates them more than most drivers.
“There are many reasons why you like F-1 or not,” he said. “For sure, many people only like the driving and the rest can be something that you don’t enjoy. When there are too many things that you don’t enjoy or you think that the whole thing is not what you want any more, then it’s time to go away.”
Raikkonen has already achieved the goal he set for himself in F-1, which was to win the championship. Winning another is important, but not crucial.
“For sure, I try to win them,” he explained, “but if I don’t win, I have won one, and it is not the end of my life. But for sure, I am here only for winning and we are still there, very close to the championship, so that’s the aim. But, you know, it is not easy always.”
When the fun stops, Raikkonen walks.
“I’m going to race as long as I enjoy it,” he said. “Then when the day comes when it’s no longer fun, then for sure, I stop. It can be the end of next year; it can be in four years time. It’s too early to say.”
When he finally does retire, what will he do then?
“I don’t know what I will do. Something else.”
Given Raikkonen’s penchant for expensive yachts and collector cars, perhaps he shouldn’t quit his day job just yet.