
Fast lane —
Not bad for a day job. Kimi Raikkonen gets to drive the fastest Ferrari on the planet but the Finn is ice-cool on talking up what he does for a living.

Soviet style —
The Finn's first car was also red but not quite as fast. It was an iconic Lada, manufactured in Russia -- as shown in this file photo.

Flying high —
Raikkonen's high-flying F1 career began in 2001 with Sauber. Here the team treats him to a ride with the Royal Australian Air Force before his debut in the Australian Grand Prix.

Talent pool —
Raikkonen (left) was one of many talented drivers making their F1 debut in 2001, along with future McLaren teammate Juan Pablo Montoya and Fernando Alonso (right) -- who he would partner at Ferrari in 2014.

First F1 win —
Raikkonen celebrates his maiden grand prix win in Malaysia in 2003. He had moved to McLaren, where he would spend five years, twice finishing as runner-up in the drivers' championship.

World champion —
After joining Ferrari, Raikkonen won a dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix to seize the 2007 title by a single point from his McLaren rivals Lewis Hamilton and Alonso.

Ferrari exit —
Raikkonen celebrated his title with Ferrari but two years later the Italian team chose to stick with 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa as it juggled its lineup. The team ended the Finn's contract in order to bring in Alonso, a double world champion with Renault, for 2010.

Off road —
Raikkonen quit F1 in late 2009 after losing his Ferrari seat, and spent two years tinkering with a different breed of cars in the World Rally Championship.

American ambition —
Raikkonen also brought his inimitable interview style to NASCAR in 2011 when he competed in two races.

Back on track —
After a two-year hiatus, Raikkonen returned to F1 with the rebranded Lotus team, formerly Renault. As well as winning two races, he won new fans with his laidback style.

Prancing Horse —
In 2014 Raikkonen paired up with Alonso at Ferrari in what was seen as a dream duo of former champions. However, both struggled with an under-performing car.

New teammate —
With Alonso deciding to join McLaren, Raikkonen was joined by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari for the 2015 season.

On the up —
They have made an encouraging start together, with former Red Bull star Vettel winning in Malaysia and earning two other podium placings, while Raikkonen was second in Bahrain.


