Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, has emphatically ruled out any possibility of returning to Formula 1 with Renault, expressing his frustration over the team’s use of his name in their marketing efforts.
In recent weeks, Renault team principals Gérard Lopez and Eric Boullier had publicly suggested that Räikkönen was a candidate to race alongside Robert Kubica in the upcoming season. Boullier even remarked that Räikkönen’s interest was flattering and indicative of the team’s rising profile.
However, Räikkönen, who transitioned to the World Rally Championship after leaving F1 at the end of 2009, responded with clear indignation. He stated, “I am very disappointed with the way they have used my name for their marketing. I have never seriously considered driving for Renault, and I can assure you 100 percent that I will not be driving for them next year.”
Räikkönen clarified that his management had only contacted Renault weeks prior, and that was the extent of their interaction. He emphasized that he had no serious intentions of joining the team.
This development leaves Renault’s driver lineup for the next season uncertain, with current driver Vitaly Petrov’s future still under evaluation. Boullier had previously indicated that retaining Petrov was a priority, contingent on his performance in the remaining races.
Räikkönen’s firm stance underscores his dissatisfaction with Renault’s handling of the situation and reaffirms his commitment to his current endeavors outside of Formula 1.