In a statement that raised eyebrows but ultimately warmed hearts across the Formula 1 community, renowned motorsport journalist Will Buxton has offered a surprising new perspective on one of the sport’s most enigmatic legends: Kimi Räikkönen.
“Kimi Räikkönen is a phony,” Buxton said with a smile during a podcast teaser. “Not in a bad way—just that the man he pretends to be isn’t really who he is. Beneath that hard exterior of a macho man is a very sweet and selfless soul.”
The remark—delivered with admiration rather than criticism—has triggered a wave of reactions from fans and drivers alike, as Buxton prepares to air his exclusive sit-down interview with the famously silent 2007 World Champion.
Kimi Räikkönen, long known for his monosyllabic answers, dry humor, and legendary radio quotes like “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing,” has built a career on being cool, composed, and detached. His nickname, “The Iceman,” became as iconic as his racing style.
But according to Buxton, that image is only part of the story.
“People think Kimi doesn’t care. That he’s robotic, emotionless. But that’s not the man I met. When the cameras are off, and he’s just being himself, he’s surprisingly kind—he thinks deeply, he cares about people, especially his family, and he’s loyal to the bone.”
Buxton described moments off-camera where Kimi showed unexpected warmth—offering to carry gear for the crew, making jokes to ease tension, and speaking softly about his love for his children and his deep respect for the sport.
Räikkönen has often said that he simply doesn’t like talking unless he has something to say. For years, fans interpreted this as coldness or arrogance, but Buxton says it’s quite the opposite.
“He’s not trying to be mysterious or difficult. He just doesn’t like wasting words. When Kimi speaks, it means something. That’s why I think people are going to be stunned by what they hear in this interview. He’s finally letting his guard down.”
The journalist also hinted that viewers will see a vulnerable side to the Finnish driver—reflecting on personal struggles, fatherhood, and how he balances his rugged public image with his private softness.
While Buxton’s statement may seem jarring at first—calling a motorsport icon a “phony”—the deeper message is clear: the real Kimi Räikkönen is more complex, compassionate, and human than most ever realized.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive:
“This just makes me love Kimi even more.”
“Not surprised—he always looked like a tough guy with a golden heart.”
“Maybe the Iceman just has a warm core.”
Even F1 drivers chimed in, with Sebastian Vettel reportedly commenting off-record, “We’ve all known Kimi’s a softie… he just hides it better than the rest of us.”
As Kimi continues to play a key role with Sauber (soon to be Audi) in a global ambassadorial position, fans and media alike are looking forward to seeing more of the man behind the myth.
Will Buxton’s full interview with Kimi is expected to air next week, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and extended commentary on F1TV and Sky Sports.
In the end, Buxton’s words may have shocked some, but they also peeled back the cold mask of Formula 1’s most private legend—revealing something truly rare in modern sport: a humble heart hiding behind cool silence.
