By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Kimi Raikkonen is going back to where it all began for him in Formula 1 as he readies for a return to Sauber in a multi-year deal beginning in 2019.
The announcement comes moments following Ferrari confirming the 38-year-old Finn’s departure at the end of the year, which also came after confirmation that junior driver and F1 rookie Charles Leclerc will step up from Alfa Romeo Sauber to team alongside Sebastian Vettel next season.
A deal The outcome is one that comes full circle for Raikkonen, who started his career with the Swiss-based outfit in 2001 and has since gone on to capture one championship, 20 victories and 100 podiums in 287 races.
Frederic Vasseur, team principal at Sauber, believes that the 2007 World Champion will only elevate an already ascending program.
“Signing Kimi Räikkönen as our driver represents an important pillar of our project, and brings us closer to our target of making significant progress as a team in the near future,” Vasseur said.
“Kimi’s undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula One will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole. Together, we will start the 2019 season with a strong foundation, driven by the determination to fight for results that count.”
Unconventional as always, the usually quiet Raikkonen opted to share the news through social media.
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