Raikkonen makes one-off comeback in NASCAR: 'Equal chance to win'

At the end of the 2021 season, Kimi Raikkonen left Formula 1 at the age of 42. The Finn retreated to Switzerland to spend time with his family, but this weekend Raikkonen will make a one-off appearance at a NASCAR event.

Raikkonen will make his debut with TrackHouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series this Sunday at Watkins Glen, where F1's United States Grand Prix used to be held. Just like in F1, NASCAR has introduced a new car this year that should make the field more equal. Raikkonen finds that very attractive.

Speaking to AP News, the former F1 driver revealed that he has not missed racing, yet he is back on the track less than a year after his retirement. Raikkonen will be racing for Project91, a programme created to raise NASCAR's global profile by offering top drivers from other racing classes a seat.

"I think any time there’s an equal chance to win in a series it is nice. I think it’s good, and what I heard when I talked to people about the new car is that it is pretty even with everybody, it’s still a learning phase for all teams with the new car," said the Finn.

Raikkonen's one-off return

Justin Marks, co-owner of TrackHouse, travelled to Switzerland in February to convince Raikkonen to take part in the event. According to Raikkonen, he has had several offers to race in other classes in recent months, but has so far only said yes to the NASCAR offer.

"I think it’s a great opportunity for drivers from Europe because it’s not very easy to come from Europe to the U.S. to race," he said. Raikkonen does not go to the event with too many expectations. "The only thing we can do is do our best and hope we get a good result."