The McLaren chassis that ultimately led to the iconic pictures of Kimi Räikkönen retiring to his yacht partway through the 2006 Monaco GP is going to auction in Abu Dhabi courtesy of Bonhams on 25 November.

The car in question is the 2006 McLaren MP4/21, chassis ’02,’ which Räikkönen drove from the season opener in Bahrain until that season’s French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours in July.

One race before the chassis’ final outing, Räikkönen gave F1 broadcasters a classic ‘Iceman’ moment in Monaco.

Long before the Finnish driver was dropping blunt remarks on Netflix’s Drive to Survive and even before the famous ice lolly incident in the 2009 Malaysian GP, Räikkönen caught the media’s attention upon his MP4/21 retiring mid-race in Monaco.

Räikkönen decided against reconnecting with his team in the garage, instead opting to watch the rest of the race from his yacht in Monaco’s harbour.

Thanks to Kimi’s antics, the MP4/21 has been etched into F1 history and is expected to fetch a hefty price tag in the region of $2.5 – $3.5 million when Bonhams puts it up for auction in the On The Grid sale at Abu Dhabi in November.

Despite the car being immortalised by the Monaco DNF, the MP4/21 failed to meet McLaren’s lofty expectations in 2006.

The team had just come off the back of being pipped to the title by Fernando Alonso and Renault in 2005, despite winning 10 Grands Prix, so McLaren, Räikkönen, and teammate Juan Pablo Montoya likely hoped for another title bid in 2006.

However, the MP4/21 failed to deliver the performance necessary to mount a title challenge and the Woking-based team fell behind Renault and a resurgent Ferrari in the pecking order, finishing the year third in the constructors’ standings, with zero wins.

To make matters worse, Montoya left the team partway through the season when team boss Ron Dennis caught wind that the Colombian was prepping to race in NASCAR for 2007.

Despite failing to win a Grand Prix in 2006, Kimi still guided the MP4/21 to six podiums and three pole positions, with chassis ’02’ achieving two of those six podiums.

It would be the final year of Räikkönen’s partnership with McLaren, before departing for Ferrari in 2007 and picking up his one and only drivers’ title.

The MP4/21 is also memorable for being McLaren’s first car of the V8 era, with 2006 introducing the 2.4 litre V8 ruleset.

McLaren’s Mercedes powertrain put out approximately 750 horsepower at 19,000 RPM.

This slice of chrome-liveried F1 history will also share the limelight with another classic F1 machine courtesy of Bonhams in Abu Dhabi later this year in the form of Mario Andretti’s 1978 title-winning Lotus 79.

The John Player Special liveried, ground effect marvel is expected to sell for a considerable amount with an estimated price tag in the region of $6.5 – $9.5 million.

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Ex-Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat has claimed he rejected a proposal from Ferrari to replace Kimi Raikkonen early in 2016.

Having entered F1 in 2014 with Toro Rosso, Kvyat was impressive enough to earn a promotion to the senior Red Bull team when Sebastian Vettel opted to depart for Ferrari.

During his sole full campaign with the Austrian outfit, Kvyat outscored race-winning team-mate Daniel Ricciardo before starting his second season with a podium at the third round in China.

Kvyat has now revealed his efforts yielded a contract offer from Ferrari, which would have seen him partner Vettel at the prestigious Italian marque.

However, everything fell apart when he was axed from Red Bull only four races into 2016 after taking Vettel out on the opening lap at his home grand prix.

Speaking on the Track Limits podcast, Kvyat has opened up on how it was hard to mentally recover in the wake of his demotion from Red Bull and seeing a potential proposal from F1’s most successful team also fall through.

“I was performing really well I think,” he recalled. “I just scored another podium for the team and then at the time had also a proposal to race for Ferrari to replace Kimi [Raikkonen].

“And that was going on behind the curtain, so it was a very difficult situation also for me mentally to go back from being wanted by Ferrari, having seen the contract, and then you go back to Toro Rosso suddenly and then you’re like… it’s not going well suddenly.”

With his confidence wrecked, Kvyat’s performances took a turn for the worst through the remainder of 2016 as he scored only a further four points at Toro Rosso, while his replacement at Red Bull, Max Verstappen, went on to win his debut race with the team in Spain.

Although he retained his place at Toro Rosso, Kvyat’s performances didn’t improve further in 2017, resulting in him being dropped by the Red Bull motorsport stable entirely before the season was out.

Kvyat would eventually end up sporting the scarlet red of Ferrari in 2018 but only in a third-driver capacity as an understudy to Raikkonen and Vettel.

He would be handed a surprise F1 reprieve, however, when Toro Rosso required a seat to be filled in 2019, partnering rookie Alex Albon at the Faenza side.

Despite managing to score a podium at a chaotic rain-affected German Grand Prix in his comeback season, Kvyat was overlooked for a return to Red Bull when Pierre Gasly was dropped midway through the year.

In a battle of the two ousted Red Bull drivers, Gasly would out-perform Kvyat through the course of the next year and a half at Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, leading to the latter being shown the exit door when Honda-backed junior Yuki Tsunoda was deemed ready to be handed his top-tier debut.

Meanwhile, Ferrari continued with Raikkonen alongside Vettel up until Charles Leclerc replaced the Finn at the Scuderia in 2019, scoring two wins in his maiden year.

Kvyat eventually penned a deal to become Alpine’s reserve driver for 2021 but no full-time return to the grid manifested itself, with the Moscow-born racer instead dabbling in NASCAR and endurance racing since his shortlived second F1 stint.

The former three-time F1 podium finisher is also set to make his Formula E debut at the end of the month for the Nio 333 team during a test in Berlin.

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Kimi Räikkönen will return to NASCAR at this month’s round at US Grand Prix venue Circuit of the Americas.

Räikkönen retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season but made an appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen last August.

Per Räikkönen’s maiden run his outing at COTA will come with the PROJECT91 operation, which is run in conjunction with Trackhouse Racing.

Räikkönen participated in eight grands prix at COTA and claimed his last Formula 1 win at the track in 2018.

“I had a fantastic time in NASCAR,” said Räikkönen. “There was a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, but everyone was very helpful, the competition was a big challenge.

“This time I get to race on a track I am familiar with so there won’t be as steep of a learning curve. I want to have fun, but also do as well as we can.”

Räikkönen will race the No. 91 Onx/iLOQ Chevrolet Camaro and is not due to test the car until the event at COTA on March 26.

“When we announced Kimi last year I said he was the global superstar I had in mind when we created PROJECT91,” said Trackhouse Owner Justin Marks.

“I think you saw the fan reception across the world and Kimi’s performance in the car was proof of the concept. Kimi’s following is massive and it’s great for NASCAR, Trackhouse plus I think Kimi really enjoys our racing.”

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Kimi Raikkonen ventured into a new arena last weekend, as he made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing.

The 2007 Formula 1 World Champion has previous experience in NASCAR, but the other entries, which occurred over 10 years ago, took place in the Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series.

His Cup Series debut came at Watkins Glen, a fan favourite of many drivers. 

Raikkonen was offered some practice laps in Virginia prior to the weekend, as he came to grips with the new-for-2022 Next Gen car.

The Finnish driver qualified in 27th place, nine places in front of fellow ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, who was making his second Cup Series start.

Raikkonen’s race was progressing well, and he was running inside the top 10 after the first stage before making a pit stop.

Unfortunately for Raikkonen, his race came to an end with a crash into the barriers as he was caught up in a multi-car incident midway through the event.

“I had a good line there but everybody seemed to come to the left, unfortunately,” Räikkonen told NBC Sports. 

“I had no time to react. The first impact, somebody hit the tyre or the wheel and the wheel spun and something’s wrong with the wrist, but that’s how it goes.” 

Darian Grubb, crew chief of Raikkonen’s No. 91 entry, hailed the 42-year-old for commitment to the weekend.

“It was amazing,” Grubb told Nascar.com. “He worked so hard trying to get ready for this. It’s really disappointing to end that way. 

“The way the strategy scenario was working, I think he was going to have a good chance to go race hard with guys. 

“He had good tyres and able to race his way up, he was able to make some passes and stuff already. And I think we had a good shot to be up in the top 10, which is what our goals were for the weekend.

“So disappointing end, but he did an amazing job all week preparing for it, coming in and ready to go.”

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Kimi Räikkönen discusses his first day driving a NASCAR Cup Series Car at Virginia International Raceway

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Kimi Raikkonen tested a NASCAR Next Gen car for the first time on Thursday, driving around the Virginia International Raceway.

Raikkonen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut next weekend at Watkins Glen, the 25th round of the 2022 season.

The Finnish driver had an extensive career racing in Formula 1, currently sitting as the most experienced competitor in the sport’s history.

He racked up 21 grand prix wins in that time, and took the World Championship in 2007 with Ferrari.

Raikkonen decided to walk away from F1 at the end of the 2021 campaign, spending the last three seasons of his stint in the sport with Alfa Romeo.

The 42-year-old will be back behind the cockpit next weekend as he makes his first start in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Raikkonen has previous experience in NASCAR, however prior entries came in the Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports.

This time around, Raikkonen is competing for Trackhouse Racing.

Raikkonen isn’t the only ex-Formula 1 driver to venture into NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2022 – earlier this year, Daniil Kvyat raced for Team Hezeberg at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

As quoted by RACER, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks  said of Raikkonen’s upcoming debut: “I’m optimistic I have high expectations.

“I think that the speed and the race craft and adaptation to the track and the car is not going to be an issue at all. 

“Just spending time with him in the shop, the way he was prepared when he first showed up here in America — not just 24 hours ago — he was asking questions about pit penalty at Michigan, he had questions about short pitting stages and how to work strategy backward at the road courses. 

“He has really done a lot of work and preparation, and that’s not surprising to me because that’s what it takes to be as successful as he’s been in Formula 1 for so long.”

Raikkonen’s debut race, the official name of which is the Go Bowling at The Glen, will take place on August 21 at 15:00 ET.

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Kimi Räikkönen says he will take his NASCAR debut “very seriously” as he prepares to return to racing following the conclusion of his Formula 1 career.

Räikkönen brought down the curtain on his distinguished Formula 1 career at the end of 2021, 20 years after he made his debut in the championship.

During his 2010-11 sabbatical away from Formula 1 Räikkönen dabbled in NASCAR, starting two races, one in the Camping World Truck Series and one in the Xfinity Series.

Räikkönen will participate in August’s NASCAR Cup round at Watkins Glen in August, where his nascar odds of winning will be low.

“I wasn’t looking to race again, but Justin [Marks, team owner] came to my home in Switzerland and convinced me how serious he was about putting together a top-notch program,” Raikkonen said.

“This will be fun, but it’s something I will take very seriously. I know how competitive the NASCAR Cup Series is and it will be a big challenge.”

Räikkönen will compete for Trackhouse Racing as part of its new PROJECT91 scheme, which plans to entice international motorsport stars to the series.

“I think that he’s going to perform really, really well,” Marks said.

“The programme is going to be first class. He’s going to have a real opportunity to go out there and compete. This isn’t just a PR stunt. The passion I have is fuelled by the vision of someone coming in and winning.”

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Ex-Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen has been named the new Team Principal for the Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP.

Raikkonen, a long-time fan of motocross, retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season following a 20-year association with the sport.

The Finn spent the final three years of his F1 stint with Alfa Romeo, having also raced for Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari and Lotus during his career.

His 349 career starts is a record for F1, making him the most experienced driver in the sport’s history.

But having only just hung up his helmet, the 42-year-old will now lead the Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP, the highest level of motocross racing.

“It’s no secret that, for me, one of my great passions in life for many years has been motocross but this team is not what you might call a hobby; it’s very serious, very focused and we aspire to be the best we possibly can,” Raikkonen said. 

“Now I have retired from racing I will be able to spend more time on this project; not on the daily issues but more from a strategic point of view using my experience of how teams work and what creates success on the world stage. 

“Everyone including myself is delighted that Kawasaki has chosen us to be the Factory team. 

“I know that the chance of success is always greater with direct factory support, so this translates into a great opportunity for us as the new Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP.”

Raikkonen’s leading responsibilities will be assisted by compatriot and former rider Antti Pyrhonen.

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Kimi Räikkönen says he is “happy to move to a normal life” after bowing out of Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Räikkönen bid farewell to Formula 1 at the season-ending round at the Yas Marina Circuit, with his family present, but was forced out of the race after only 23 laps.

The retirement brought an end to a career that featured a record 349 starts, 21 victories and the 2007 world title.

“It’s been nice to see so many people showing their appreciation, even if the race didn’t go as we hoped,” said Räikkönen.

“We had an issue after the pit-stop, a technical problem that meant we finished earlier.

“That’s racing, sometimes things fail, but the result doesn’t influence how I feel about my career.

“I’m happy to move on to a normal life, I am looking forward to it. Of course, I will miss a lot of the great people I met over the years; 20 years have gone quickly, I made lots of memories, some good, some bad, and these are going to stay with me forever.”

Team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi, who is leaving Alfa Romeo and Formula 1, also failed to finish the race, marking his first early exit of the season.

“It’s a pity to end the season like this, the first DNF after a full season of finishing,” he said.

“It’s been an emotional day overall, seeing Kimi retire and seeing all the things the team did for us. He’s a great person, very fair and all of F1 will miss him.

“As for me, I hope this is just a ‘see you soon’: my full focus is now on Formula E, but I hope to be back next year. I’m happy with my journey, the way I progressed over the years, I gave everything I could.”

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Antonio Giovinazzi will sport a Kimi Räikkönen-inspired helmet at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a tribute to his retiring team-mate.

Räikkönen will retire from Formula 1 following the conclusion of this weekend’s round, bringing down the curtain on a career that began back in 2001.

Räikkönen will retire as Formula 1’s most experienced driver, having started 349 races, taking 21 victories and the 2007 world title.

Giovinazzi is also bowing out of Formula 1 after the final event, having lost his Alfa Romeo seat, but he will sport a helmet design inspired by the style Räikkönen used in his 2007 title-winning campaign.

“Time to celebrate a legend, time to thank a true friend,” Giovinazzi wrote on social media.

Several other drivers will run different helmet designs at the season finale.

Valtteri Bottas will run a helmet with pictures of his high points from his Mercedes career as he bids farewell to the team after five years.

AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda has tweaked his helmet design as a tribute to outgoing power unit partner Honda, which has also supported his single-seater career.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has also unveiled a one-off design for this weekend’s round.

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