Kimi Räikkönen Biography: Kimi-Matias Räikkönen born 17 October 1979, widely known by his nickname “The Iceman”, is a Finnish racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2001 to 2021. Over the course of his career, he raced for several teams including Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo.
Kimi Räikkönen Biography
Kimi Räikkönen, famously known as “The Iceman”, was born on October 17, 1979, in Espoo, Finland. He rose to global fame in the world of motorsport and built a fortune of $250 million, largely thanks to his successful Formula One career, including his 2007 World Championship title. As of 2025, Räikkönen is 45 years old.
Kimi Räikkönen Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Kimi-Matias Räikkönen
17 October 1979 Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
|
|---|---|
| Spouses |
Jenni Dahlman (m. 2004; div. 2014)
Minna-Mari Virtanen (m. 2016)
|
| Children | 3 |
| Category | Lifestyle |
See More:
Kimi Räikkönen Achievements
Räikkönen captured the 2007 Formula One World Championship driving for Ferrari and also finished as the overall runner-up twice and third place three times. Regarded as the most successful Finnish driver in Formula One history by numerous metrics, Räikkönen ranks seventh in all-time podium finishes with 103, holds the third-most fastest laps (46), and sits third in race starts (349) in the sport’s history.
Kimi Räikkönen Personal Life
He is currently in a relationship with Minttu Virtanen. Born under the Libra zodiac sign, Kimi is the son of Matti Räikkönen and Paula Räikkönen. In his racing prime, he earned an impressive $26 million annual salary, contributing to his substantial net worth, which remains at approximately $250 million.
About Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi-Matias Räikkönen, nicknamed “the Iceman”, is a Finnish racing driver who competed in Formula One between 2001 and 2021 for Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo. Räikkönen won the 2007 Formula One World Championship while driving for Ferrari; he finished second overall twice and third three times.
Kimi Räikkönen Wiki
- Born: 17 October 1979 (age 45 years), Espoo, Finland
- Dates joined: 2019 (Alfa Romeo in Formula One), 2012 (Lotus F1), 2007 (Scuderia Ferrari), 2002 (McLaren), 2001 (Sauber)
- Spouse: Minttu Räikkönen (m. 2016), Jenni Väänänen (m. 2004–2014)
- Current team: Sauber
- Parents: Matti Räikkönen, Paula Räikkönen
- Siblings: Rami Räikkönen
- Career end: 2021
Career
Kimi-Matias Räikkönen was born on 17 October 1979 in Espoo, Finland. He began karting at the age of 10 and quickly found success, marking the start of a highly promising racing career. His first international race took place in Monaco when he was just 15 years old. Despite a broken steering wheel during the race, Räikkönen famously continued by waving the detached wheel in the air to alert his mechanic as he passed the pit straight.
His next outing in Monaco was equally dramatic. After a first-lap collision sent him over the safety fence, he refused to give up. He lifted his kart back onto the track and continued racing. While his mechanic assumed he had retired, Räikkönen rejoined the race and impressively fought his way back to finish third. he won the Nordic Championship held in Varna, Norway. The following year, he placed second in a round of the European Formula Super A Championship while driving for the Dutch PDB Racing Team, run by 1980 world champion Peter de Bruijn, using a Gillard chassis.
Early Life and Family Background
Kimi Räikkönen was born in Espoo, Finland, where his passion for speed and racing emerged at a young age. His father, Matti Räikkönen, worked in road construction, while his mother, Paula, held an office job. Kimi grew up alongside his older brother, Rami, who also pursued motorsport. Despite facing financial difficulties, the Räikkönen family remained committed to supporting Kimi’s racing ambitions, enabling him to begin karting at the age of ten—an experience that sparked his drive to become a professional racer.
Education
Due to his early focus on motorsports, Kimi received limited formal education. His dedication to karting and racing from a young age laid the groundwork for his later achievements in Formula One.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Räikkönen’s rise in motorsport was rapid. After proving himself in karting, he advanced to car racing in the British Formula Renault series. His standout performances there led to a Formula One debut with Sauber in 2001. A year later, he joined McLaren, taking over from fellow Finn Mika Häkkinen. While with McLaren, Räikkönen achieved several podium finishes and came close to winning the championship in both 2003 and 2005.
In 2007, he signed with Ferrari and reached the pinnacle of his career by securing the World Championship in his first season with the team. This victory remains a landmark moment, as it marked Ferrari’s most recent driver’s title as of 2024. After stepping away from Formula One in 2010 and 2011 to explore rallying and NASCAR, Räikkönen returned to the sport with Lotus in 2012. He rejoined Ferrari in 2014 and eventually concluded his F1 career with Alfa Romeo, retiring at the end of the 2021 season.
Notable Works and Achievements
Over the course of his Formula One career, Kimi Räikkönen achieved 21 Grand Prix wins and 103 podium finishes. His 2007 World Championship stands as a career highlight and remains Ferrari’s last drivers’ title. Renowned for his reliability and versatility, Räikkönen also holds the record for the most race starts in F1 history, with a total of 349 entries.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Since stepping away from Formula One, Kimi Räikkönen has remained active in the motorsport world. He continues to manage his motocross team, Ice One Racing, and occasionally takes part in various racing-related events. Known for his straightforward demeanor, Räikkönen’s interviews and public appearances continue to captivate fans, underscoring his lasting influence in the sport.
Personal Life and Relationships
Räikkönen married Jenni Dahlman, a Finnish model and former Miss Scandinavia. The couple separated in 2014. He later married Minna-Mari “Minttu” Virtanen in 2016. Together, they have two children: a son, Robin, born in 2015, and a daughter, Rianna, born in 2017. Despite his fame, Räikkönen is known for keeping his personal life private and largely out of the spotlight.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Nicknamed “The Iceman” for his composure under pressure.
- Dyslexia runs in the family—Kimi and his mother both have it.
- Owns the Ice One Racing motocross team, reflecting his love for off-road sports.
- Took a break from F1 to compete in rallying and NASCAR.
- Famous for his blunt, no-nonsense communication style, which has made him a fan-favorite meme subject.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Though he keeps his philanthropy largely out of the public eye, Räikkönen has supported several charitable causes, including initiatives for children’s hospitals and underprivileged communities. His legacy in motorsport is undeniable—admired for his raw driving talent, stoic persona, and authenticity. Even moments of controversy, like walking out of media events, have only added to his mystique rather than diminished his popularity.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
While Räikkönen hasn’t formally outlined future plans, his continued involvement in motorsport—through Ice One Racing and public appearances—suggests he’ll stay connected to the racing scene. His influence transcends his racing achievements; with a unique blend of talent, personality, and authenticity, Kimi Räikkönen remains a cultural icon, admired by hardcore F1 fans and casual followers alike.
Kimi Räikkönen Net Worth 2025
Kimi Räikkönen’s net worth is estimated at around $250 million. His wealth has been built through lucrative racing contracts, sponsorships, and strategic investments. At the height of his Formula One career, he was among the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning upwards of $50 million annually. He owns properties in Finland, Switzerland, and Thailand, and has a passion for luxury cars—though he maintains a grounded lifestyle reflective of his Finnish roots.
FAQs
How did Kimi Räikkönen get his nickname?
Kimi Räikkönen earned the nickname “The Iceman” due to his calm, composed nature, especially under high-pressure racing situations. His emotionless demeanor and unshakable focus on the track made the nickname a perfect fit.
What did Kimi Räikkönen do after leaving Formula One?
After retiring from Formula One, Räikkönen stayed involved in motorsports by managing his motocross team, Ice One Racing. He also makes occasional appearances at racing events and maintains a strong connection with the motorsport community.
Did Kimi Räikkönen compete in other types of racing besides Formula One?
Yes, during his break from F1 in 2010 and 2011, Räikkönen participated in the World Rally Championship and even made appearances in NASCAR events, showcasing his versatility as a racing driver.
Is Kimi Räikkönen involved in any business ventures?
Beyond racing, Räikkönen has invested in real estate and motorsport-related businesses. He owns properties in several countries and operates his own motocross team, adding to his business portfolio.
Does Kimi Räikkönen support any charities?
While not highly publicized, Räikkönen has contributed to various charitable causes, particularly those benefiting children’s hospitals and underprivileged communities. He prefers to keep his philanthropic efforts private.
What is Kimi Räikkönen’s net worth?
As of 2025, Kimi Räikkönen’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. His fortune stems from his successful Formula One career, endorsement deals, and personal investments in property and motorsports.