Former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen has always been known for his calm, no-nonsense demeanor — the Iceman who rarely lets his emotions show on or off the track. But in a rare and heartfelt interview this week in Monaco, the Finnish motorsport legend opened up about his family life, his son Robin’s budding karting career, and the bright future he sees in rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Since retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2021, Räikkönen has embraced a more laid-back lifestyle, centered around his wife Minttu and their two children, Robin and Rianna.
“Life is calmer now,” Räikkönen said. “I still love racing, but nothing compares to waking up and taking the kids to school, watching their hobbies, just being… a dad.”
He revealed that his days are filled with simple joys — spending time at home in Switzerland, going fishing, and watching his children grow.
“With everything I did in Formula 1, it’s easy to forget what normal feels like. Now, I’ve found it again. And I love it.”
The spotlight may have dimmed on Kimi’s racing days, but it’s beginning to shine on his son, Robin, who is already racing competitively in karting across Europe. At just 10 years old, Robin is showing flashes of the same raw speed and calm focus that made his father a legend.
“He’s fast,” Kimi said with a grin. “But I don’t push him. If he wants it, I’ll support him. If he doesn’t, we’ll find something else.”
Kimi admits he sometimes has to step back and let Robin figure things out on his own.
“Kids need to make mistakes. I’m there to guide him, not to drive the kart for him.”
Räikkönen also touched on the rise of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Italian teenager who’s widely tipped as the next F1 sensation and a future Mercedes front-runner.
“I’ve been watching Antonelli for a while. He’s the real deal,” Räikkönen said. “Smart, fast, and fearless. He reminds me a bit of the younger guys I raced — Max, Charles, even Alonso when he was just starting.”
Although not officially a mentor, Räikkönen revealed he spoke briefly with Antonelli during a recent karting event.
“He’s polite. Focused. He listens. I just told him: ‘Keep your head down. The circus will try to pull you in. Don’t let it.’”
Asked whether he would consider launching a racing team or managing Robin’s career from the paddock, Räikkönen was quick to shrug off the idea.
“I’m not a manager. I hate politics,” he said bluntly. “I’ll be at the track, probably with a coffee in one hand and a stopwatch in the other — but that’s it.”
Still, there’s something quietly poetic about the Iceman — once the fastest man in the world — now watching the next generation blaze their own path.
“If Robin ends up racing in F1 one day, great. But if not? As long as he’s happy, I’m happy.”
Kimi Räikkönen may be long gone from the Formula 1 grid, but his presence still looms large — through his quiet wisdom, his growing family legacy, and his admiration for new talents like Antonelli. For Kimi, life has shifted from full throttle to a different kind of fast lane — one filled with family, karting circuits, and, perhaps, a new chapter of racing from the sidelines.
And as always, when asked if he misses F1, the Iceman gave the most Kimi answer possible:
“Not really. I had my time. Now I enjoy this.”
