For nearly two decades, Kimi Räikkönen has stood as one of Formula 1’s most iconic figures — a man defined by few words, unmatched coolness, and pure, unfiltered speed. But now, according to former world champion Nico Rosberg and veteran commentator Martin Brundle, it’s time for the Finnish legend to “pass on the torch” to a new generation.
During a recent F1 broadcast, both Rosberg and Brundle agreed that the spirit of the ‘Iceman’ — Räikkönen’s famous nickname — has found a worthy successor. Though they didn’t initially name him, their later comments made it clear who they were talking about: Oscar Piastri, the unflappable Australian who’s rapidly gaining a reputation for his composure under pressure and sharp precision on track.
“You can see it in the way he drives,” Rosberg said. “Calm, emotionless, but devastatingly efficient. It’s very Kimi-like. I think it’s safe to say Kimi can pass on the torch now.”
Kimi Räikkönen’s personality was unlike anything Formula 1 had ever seen. Known for his dry humor, short answers, and unwavering focus, the 2007 world champion became a cult hero not because of flamboyance — but because of his authentic detachment from fame.
He didn’t care about the spotlight, refused to play politics, and often seemed indifferent to the chaos around him. His words — “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing” — became one of the sport’s most legendary quotes.
“Kimi’s charm was that he never tried to be anyone else,” Brundle noted. “He was just himself — quiet, sharp, and brutally fast. But the world keeps moving, and it’s fascinating to see someone else carry that same aura.”
Enter Oscar Piastri — calm, calculated, and already earning respect for his emotionless precision behind the wheel. While others celebrate wildly after qualifying sessions or victories, Piastri remains stoic — often smiling politely but rarely showing much more.
In an era dominated by big personalities and social media influencers, the 23-year-old Australian has brought back an old-school mentality: speak less, drive more.
“He’s young, but you can sense the maturity,” said Rosberg. “He doesn’t overreact, doesn’t get flustered. That’s exactly what made Kimi so powerful. He didn’t need words — just lap times.”
Fans have also noticed the similarities. On social media, many have started calling Piastri “The Iceman 2.0”, citing his humorless interviews, deadpan expressions, and calm responses even under immense pressure — all traits reminiscent of Räikkönen’s legendary demeanor.
Though retired, Räikkönen’s influence on the sport is still felt deeply. He redefined what it meant to be a racing driver — not as a celebrity or a performer, but as a professional who lets the driving speak for itself.
Brundle, who covered Räikkönen’s entire F1 career, summed it up best:
“There was only one Kimi, but the attitude — that cold, quiet focus — it lives on. And I think Oscar has that same ice running through his veins.”
While Piastri still has much to prove before matching Räikkönen’s legacy of 21 race wins and a world title, his growing consistency, technical precision, and calm approach suggest he could one day embody everything the original Iceman stood for.
For Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle — two of Formula 1’s most respected voices — the passing of this symbolic torch marks a new era. It’s not about mimicking Kimi’s personality, but about continuing his philosophy: racing with ice in the veins and fire in the heart.
“Kimi made silence loud,” Rosberg concluded. “And now, someone else is learning to speak that same language on the track.”
As Formula 1 evolves into a new age of glitz, social media, and global exposure, it’s refreshing — and perhaps reassuring — that there’s still room for a driver like Piastri: one who lets his performance, not his persona, do the talking.
The Iceman may have melted away from the grid, but his legacy?
It’s clearly still frozen in time.
