Kimi Räikkönen, a professional motorsports legend, made headlines off the track by donating the entirety of his recent $5.8 million bonus and endorsements contract to a group of global charities and organizations dedicated to assisting the homeless. The former Formula One World Champion’s unselfish deed has sparked tremendous praise and adoration from fans, fellow athletes, and humanitarian leaders throughout the world.
The payment, which includes his full year-end performance bonus and revenues from recent brand endorsements, will be split among numerous reputable international and local non-profits. Organizations such as the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Habitat for Humanity, Crisis UK, and other grassroots shelters in Europe and North America would benefit.
“I’ve been fortunate in life and in my career, and I believe in giving back—especially to those who face circumstances they didn’t choose,” Räikkönen said in an emotionally charged statement. “It’s easy to celebrate success, but we should also use that platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Räikkönen, known for his reclusive and often grim personality, has long lived a secluded life away from the track. This recent performance, however, reveals the truly sympathetic side of a man who, despite his global celebrity, has always valued humility and genuineness. Though Kimi rarely seeks attention outside of racing, his team verified that this decision was entirely his own and had nothing to do with any sponsorship or public relations campaign.
According to people close to Räikkönen, the impulse for the donation stemmed from his firsthand experience with the expanding homelessness situation while traveling in both urban and rural locations. He reportedly visited many local shelters in his home country of Finland, where he met people enduring tremendous hardship. Inspired by their resilience and experiences, the racing legend began quietly collaborating with advisors to plan the humanitarian endeavor.
The Formula One, World Endurance Championship, and other motorsports communities have responded with enormous support. Former colleagues and competitors praised Räikkönen’s choice on social media, describing it as “a legacy move that goes beyond racing” and “a reminder that real champions shine brightest off the podium.”
Kimi Räikkönen may be retired from racing, but his race to change lives has only just begun.