In a surprise statement to the Formula One world, Romeo Racing stated earlier today that its new Advisor of Racing Operations, Kimi Räikkönen, has a serious health issue that requires immediate attention and an indefinite departure from the team.
This surprise news was made via a brief but melancholy statement sent by Romeo Racing’s CEO, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, through the team’s official channels:
“We just found out that Kimi has been diagnosed with a neurological system problem. It requires rapid and ongoing therapy. While not life-threatening, it will keep him from performing his active job with us for the foreseeable future. Our entire attention is on his complete recovery.
Kimi’s Transition from “Iceman” Driver to Critical Advisor.
Räikkönen, the 2007 World Champion known as the “Iceman,” will formally retire from racing after the 2021 season. His surprising return to Formula One in 2025 was warmly hailed, this time as a high-level strategist within Romeo Racing’s technical department—a team renamed from his former Sauber roots.
Räikkönen, known for his raw honesty and acute racing mind, rapidly established himself as a valuable figure behind the scenes. Many expected his calm, observant manner to flow seamlessly into team operations and development.
Nature of the Diagnosis
Kimi’s medical condition is mainly unknown, however Romeo Racing said it was related to a rare degenerative neurological illness. The team’s statement stressed that his brain and nerve system were the most impacted, necessitating a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation strategy.
Alunni Bravi noticed:
“Kimi is receiving specialist treatment, and we will accompany him through every stage of his recovery. Family always comes first; his well-being is our first priority.
The Team Reacts: Support Over Speed.
Team morale shifted immediately. Engineers, mechanics, and drivers all interrupted their work to comprehend the news. F2 junior and Romeo protégé Liam Lawson, evidently frightened, wrote:
“Kimi’s guidance meant everything to me. Not simply a driver or coach, but also a friend. We lost something significant today, and we will all be thinking about him.”
Veteran teammates mirrored the sentiment. The paddock fell silent as supporters shared their best wishes on social media.
What Does This Mean for Romeo Racing
Räikkönen’s operational role in aerodynamics and race strategy was critical to Romeo’s development ambitions for 2025. The team must now pivot swiftly, reassign duties, and manage programming in the absence of its key engineer and mentor.
Alunni Bravi confirmed that a trusted engineer would step in temporarily:
“Kimi assembled an extremely strong team around him. While no one can completely replace him, our internal team is prepared and capable of taking over until he returns.
Global Reaction and What’s Next?
The news rippled throughout the Formula One world. Fans banded together under the hashtag #StayStrongKimi, while opposing clubs and former teammates also showed solidarity.
As F1 changes its emphasis to the forthcoming grand prix, all eyes—and hearts—are on the former champion who is now preparing for his greatest race off the track.
Romeo Racing will provide regular updates on his rehabilitation. Until then, the paddock and the world’s fans unite in the hope that the Finnish “Iceman” finds warmth and healing before making a comeback.
Bottom line: Kimi Räikkönen’s unexpected health setback has left Romeo Racing without a crucial strategist. However, the team—and the F1 community—are rallying behind him, waiting for updates and a successful recovery.