Wolff: Raikkonen's departure is a "blow"

Toto Wolff believes Kimi Raikkonen's departure from Ferrari is a "blow" for everyone involved in Formula 1. The IceMan is moving back to Sauber for 2019 as he turns his back on Scuderia after a five-year spell.

Raikkonen had his best season for a while in 2018 which included a pole position and a race victory in the United States. Wolff, the Mercedes boss, reckons his move away from a top team is bad news.

"I think it changes a lot for F1 that Kimi is not in Ferrari anymore in a car that is able to win races," Wolff said in an interview with selected media.

"He is a formidable character. He is one of the very few people in this day and age, with social media and the ego getting out of control, that stays true to himself. He has his values and stays true to his values, and he is authentic. That is what the fans love. So Kimi not in a Ferrari is a blow to all of us."

Upon leaving Ferrari, fans and pundits expected the 39-year-old to retire. Instead, the Finn remains on the grid as he restarts his career and moves back Sauber. With Fernando Alonso leaving the sport altogether, Wolff believes if both World Champions left, then it would have been very tricky for the F1 world.

"But at least he is not out of it completely. He is in Sauber and it is shame that, with Fernando [Alonso] going completely and Kimi changing from Ferrari to Sauber, we are losing two unbelievable personalities in some way. Kimi and Ferrari as a combination was attractive," Wolff added.

"Kimi says he is coming to enjoy things with Sauber, but the Sauber proved to be a best of the rest car."

Next year, Mercedes will have to fight off youngster Charles Leclerc who will move into Kimi Raikkonen's seat to partner up with rival Sebastian Vettel.