An Open Letter from Kimi Räikkönen to Nico Hulkenberg, Fans, and the Entire Formula One Community…

I don’t usually write letters, and I certainly don’t make a habit of sharing my thoughts with the world. But today, I find myself compelled to do so. It’s not because of a race result or a podium finish, but because of the respect I feel for my fellow drivers, especially Nico Hulkenberg, and for all the people who’ve supported me throughout my career.

 

Nico, it’s been quite a journey for you in Formula One, and I know it hasn’t always been easy. You’ve faced your fair share of challenges, both on and off the track. Yet, you’ve continued to show resilience, dedication, and above all, a love for racing. You’ve had to prove yourself time and again, and that kind of tenacity is something I can truly respect.

 

I’ve watched you grow from your early days in F1, where it was clear that you had the talent to compete at the highest level, but perhaps not always the opportunity or the car to fully showcase it. You’ve taken everything in stride—sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a shrug—but you’ve kept going. And now, when I see you back in the mix, still fighting, still pushing, it makes me proud to see you succeed. That’s what this sport is all about.

 

I know we’ve shared our fair share of battles on the track, but that’s what makes this sport special. We’re competitors, yes, but there’s a mutual respect that we all have for each other. We all know what it takes to succeed in F1, and the struggles we go through to get there are not just individual—each one of us has to overcome the odds to be part of this incredible community.

 

And so, to the fans: thank you. Thank you for the unwavering support, for sticking with us through the highs and the lows, and for always being there to cheer us on. I don’t take it for granted, the love and energy you bring to every race weekend, whether you’re watching from the grandstands or following from home. Your passion fuels us in ways that words can’t describe. You may not always see it, but every driver on the grid knows how much the fans mean to this sport.

 

For me, F1 has always been about the drive, the challenge, the pursuit of perfection in an imperfect world. I’ve never been one to get bogged down by the politics or the drama that often surrounds the sport. What matters to me is racing. It’s the feeling of being at one with the car, the rush of accelerating down a straight, and the mental focus required to make split-second decisions that could change everything.

 

But that’s not all. F1 is about the people—my teammates, my engineers, the mechanics, and yes, the other drivers. It’s about the shared respect for a craft that few will ever truly understand. When you’re out there, battling wheel to wheel, pushing to the limit, there’s an unspoken bond among us all. We’re all in it together, even if we are fighting for different things. We know the cost of failure, and we know the joy of victory. That connection is what makes this sport unique.

 

So, to Nico and the entire Formula One family, I want to say this: thank you for the memories, the moments, and the battles. F1 wouldn’t be what it is without each and every one of you. To the fans, I’ve always appreciated your support, and I know Nico feels the same way. Your loyalty keeps this sport alive, and it’s an honor to be part of this incredible journey.

 

As I look ahead to the next chapter in my racing career, I know that the future of Formula One is in good hands. Whether you’re a young driver or a seasoned veteran, the passion, the hunger, and the determination that defines this sport will continue to shine through.

 

And finally, Nico, I have no doubt that you’ll continue to do what you do best: race. Whatever the future holds, you’ve earned your place among the greats, and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.

 

Here’s to more racing, more battles, and more unforgettable moments.