For years, Kimi Räikkönen was a firm favourite among Formula 1 fans — a driver who seemed to embody pure, raw talent alongside a mischievous and nonconformist character. His bluntness, his icy demeanor, and his ability to let his driving do the talking made him a cult hero across the world.
But now, Max Verstappen and George Russell have teamed up to explain a dramatic shift in sentiment — and why Räikkönen may no longer be the “fan favourite” in the way he once was.
According to the two drivers, the change has less to do with Räikkönen himself and more to do with a new generation of drivers who connect differently with fans. “It’s not about ability — Kimi will always be a world champion — it’s about relatability and engagement with the people who watch us race today,” Verstappen explained. “Fans want to see more of their personalities, more interaction, more willingness to let them in.”
Russell nodded in agreement, adding, “Social media and the way we communicate have transformed what it means to be a favourite. It’s not enough to be fast on track; you need to connect with your fans and show them who you really are. Guys like Kimi kept their private lives private — which was great in its time — but now fans want more. They want stories, content, interaction. That’s a big part of the sport’s future.”
The two drivers were careful to pay their respects to Räikkönen’s remarkable career and the legacy he leaves in Formula 1. But their comments reflect a changing era — where drivers are expected to be more than just great racers; they are supposed to be personalities, role models, and entertainers.
“It’s a different world now. Kimi will always be a legend, but for the new generation of fans, it’s about more than just what you do on track — it’s about who you are off it, and how you connect with people.”
As Max Verstappen and George Russell suggest, this shift in expectations signals a dramatic transformation in the sport — a transformation that future drivers will need to navigate if they want to become, or stay, a “fan favourite” in the years to come.
