In the glittering ballroom of Monte Carlo, motorsport royalty gathered for a night of celebration, and all eyes turned toward a man who built his legacy without theatrics — Kimi Räikkönen. The 2007 Formula 1 World Champion was awarded one of the FIA’s most prestigious honours, the Gold Medal for Motorsport, a recognition reserved only for the sport’s most iconic figures.
With this award, Räikkönen joins an elite pantheon that includes legends like Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, and former FIA President Jean Todt, becoming one of the very few drivers in history to be bestowed with this high honour. It is a moment that not only honours Kimi’s achievements on track but also his deep cultural impact on motorsport and the millions of fans who followed his journey.
Known affectionately as The Iceman, Räikkönen’s cool, minimalist personality has long stood in stark contrast to the intensity of the sport he mastered. Whether it was his monosyllabic interviews, unshakable calm under pressure, or legendary one-liners over team radio, Kimi carved out a space in Formula 1 that was uniquely his own.
The FIA’s citation described Räikkönen as “a driver who redefined charisma, not through spectacle, but through pure talent and authenticity.” President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who presented the medal, lauded the Finn’s influence across generations:
“Kimi Räikkönen is a symbol of what racing once was and what it should always aspire to be — fearless, real, and driven by the love of speed. He has inspired drivers and fans around the world and reminded us that greatness does not need to shout.”
Räikkönen’s F1 career spanned 20 seasons, beginning in 2001 with Sauber, where his raw talent was immediately evident despite having just 23 car races under his belt. His move to McLaren launched him into title contention, but it was with Ferrari in 2007 that he reached the sport’s summit, clinching the world title in a nail-biting finale at Interlagos — a triumph many still consider one of the most dramatic conclusions to a Formula 1 season.
After a brief hiatus in 2010 and 2011 where he tried his hand at rallying and NASCAR, he returned with Lotus F1 in 2012, delivering race wins and podiums with a mid-tier team in a masterclass of racecraft. His later stints with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo were marked by flashes of brilliance, mentorship to younger drivers, and a graceful exit from a sport he had given so much to.
In total, Räikkönen racked up:
- 350+ Grand Prix starts
- 21 race wins
- 103 podium finishes
- And a legacy as one of the most complete and universally respected drivers of his generation.
Kimi’s love for speed was never limited to Formula 1. During his break from the sport, he competed in the World Rally Championship, and after his F1 retirement in 2021, he took part in select NASCAR events and motocross team management. Unlike many others, he didn’t chase publicity in these ventures. For Kimi, it was — and always has been — about racing, not fame.
“I just like driving fast things,” Räikkönen once said. “Doesn’t matter what they are.”
This purity of purpose endeared him to fans across every discipline of motorsport.
Kimi was joined at the gala by his wife Minttu Räikkönen, and their two children, Robin and Rianna, who stood proudly beside him as he accepted the medal. While Kimi himself kept his speech short — in true Iceman fashion — Minttu offered a heartfelt thank-you to the fans:
“Kimi has always been about the racing. But I’ve seen how much your love has meant to him over the years, even if he doesn’t always say it. Thank you for standing by him through every lap.”
Online, fans flooded social media with tributes, throwback clips, and admiration for the 45-year-old legend.
“He never played the political game. He never cared for the spotlight. And yet, here he is, receiving one of the highest honours in motorsport. That’s Kimi.” — one fan wrote on X.
From his dramatic first win in Malaysia in 2003 to his unforgettable messages over team radio, Kimi’s mark on the sport transcends numbers. He is often cited by current drivers — including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc — as a major influence, both in driving style and attitude.
FIA Gold Medal for Motorsport is more than an award — it’s a symbol of permanence, a statement that Kimi’s name will be remembered wherever racing lives on. And rightly so. In a world where many sought to be seen, Kimi Räikkönen built a legacy by being himself — silent, fast, and fearless.
As the curtains closed on the gala, the last image was of Kimi, standing under the lights, holding the medal with that ever-so-subtle smirk — a champion’s silence that spoke louder than any words.
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