Kimi Raikkonen has revealed that his family was a major reason for signing a two-year contract to race with Sauber.
The Finn, who won last weekend’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2018 season. He won the 2007 F1 championship with the Italian team.
Speaking to reporters after his win in Texas, the 39-year-old said it was time for a new challenge. Quoted by Sky Sports, he said: “I think people don’t understand I’m actually very happy where I’m going.
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“I had my time with Ferrari, I won the championship with them. I won many races with them and for me, as a driver, I want different challenges, I want different things and I’m actually very happy to go there.”
Sauber are based in Hinwil, Switzerland, which is close to where his family and young children live. Raikkonen explained this was a key factor in returning to the team he previously raced for in 2001.
“It’s roughly 40 minutes from my home,” he said. “My family will be happy, I’m happy to be with my family.”
Vettel: no problem admitting mistakes
Raikkonen celebrated victory in the US but for Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel it was a case of another missed opportunity in the F1 title fight.
Vettel was fourth in Austin as rival Lewis Hamilton finished third to take a step closer to the championship. Mercedes driver Hamilton is now 70 points ahead of Vettel with just 75 points and three races remaining in the 2018 season.
If Hamilton finishes seventh or above at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday he will secure his fifth world drivers’ title.
Vettel’s challenge has been hindered by mistakes on the track by both the driver and his team. The German says he has no issue admitting to his mistakes but the car’s speed also contributed to the team’s failing title bid, ESPN reports.
“It is not like there is a fundamental problem,” said Vettel. “In the end, it looks a lot worse than it was. I have no problem admitting the mistakes I have done. On top there were some things that happened to us that didn’t help us.
“The crucial bit has been that for a big part of the season, we didn’t have the speed to really be there and then other stuff happens which maybe doesn’t help that. Overall, we have the potential, but we need to still grow and learn. So there will be a lot of stuff over the winter we need to review, all of us, including myself.”
