Kimi Raikkonen’s 2010 Destination

There is continuing speculation on the destination of the Iceman Kimi Raikkonen. While initial speculation hinted at a destination within F1 there’s now a possibility of Rally and Nascar racing as well! The paddock is now ripe with possibilities of Mclaren, Toyota and even Redbull as a likely destination although the last option is closed due to the team’s decision to retain the current lineup for next year. Amidst, all this speculation it’s important to note the Finn’s desires if we were to guess his destination for the next year. Kimi wants to, firstly – Be part of a team capable of championship and Secondly- Get a substantial salary. Clearly the answer to the first question is Mclaren as no other team apart from Ferrai and Mclaren have consistently proved themselves to be championship contenders. But the answer to the latter isn’t a simple one, especially so in current economic times. Ferrari have had a history of pampering their teams and star drivers and this trend continued with Kimi. His salary was exorbitant($52 M) but negotiable in better economic times however given the intention of all teams to reign in costs that salary will be impossible to match. 

Clearly, that would leave Kimi with no choice but to drop his salary to less stratospheric heights but nevertheless one that cannot be matched by Nascar or Rally racing. Surely Kimi will not act on the threat to stay away from racing given his competitive desire, age and instinct to race. This obviously leads only one way and that’s towards a top F1 team who can pay the star close to his demands. This in conjunction with the statement by Mclaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh that “Kimi would be welcome to the team and would form a great fit” seems not just appropriate but perhaps the whole truth. Who better for some Mclaren winter testing than the “Iceman” himself!