Kimi Räikkönen has opened up about the behind-the-scenes details of his departure from Scuderia Ferrari, revealing that he was informed he had lost his seat shortly after the Italian Grand Prix — with talks to join Sauber F1 Team beginning that very same weekend.
The 2007 Formula 1 world champion confirmed that the decision was communicated to him following the race at Monza, a pivotal moment in what would become one of the most talked-about driver changes of that season. Ferrari ultimately opted to promote rising star Charles Leclerc, who had impressed during his rookie campaign with Sauber.
Speaking candidly about the transition, Räikkönen explained that the process was straightforward and largely devoid of drama. In typical Iceman fashion, he described the conversation as direct and professional. Once Ferrari made their intentions clear, attention quickly shifted toward securing his future in the sport.
That future materialized almost immediately. Discussions with Sauber — the team where Räikkönen had made his Formula 1 debut back in 2001 — were initiated during the same Monza weekend. For the Finn, the move represented both a fresh start and a return to familiar territory.
“At that point, it was clear what was happening,” Räikkönen said of Ferrari’s decision. “Once I knew, we started talking to Sauber. It happened pretty quickly.”
Ferrari’s choice to bring in Leclerc marked the beginning of a new era for the Scuderia. The young Monegasque driver was seen as a long-term investment, part of Ferrari’s strategy to build around emerging talent. Räikkönen, meanwhile, embraced the opportunity to continue racing without the intense spotlight that accompanies a Ferrari seat.
The switch also underscored the business realities of Formula 1. Even a world champion is not immune to strategic decisions aimed at the future. Yet for Räikkönen, there appeared to be little bitterness. He remained focused on finishing his Ferrari chapter strongly before embarking on his return to Sauber.
The move ultimately extended Räikkönen’s Formula 1 career and allowed him to compete in a different environment — one that he has described as more relaxed and less politically charged than life at Maranello.
Looking back, Räikkönen’s revelation highlights just how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1. One weekend he was racing for Ferrari at Monza; the next, he was planning his comeback with Sauber while making way for Leclerc’s rise.
In the end, it was a transition handled with minimal theatrics — very much in keeping with the understated style of the Iceman himself.
