Kimi Räikkönen will make his NASCAR comeback in Austin at the end of March
The Formula 1 World Champion of 2007 will once again participate in a race of the legendary American championship at the Austin circuit on March 26th.
Despite his retirement from F1 in 2021, Kimi Räikkönen continues to have fun on race tracks. The former Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo driver will therefore take part in a NASCAR event at the Austin circuit on Sunday, March 26th.
This will not be a first in this category for the Finnish driver. In 2022, Räikkönen had participated in a NASCAR race at Watkins Glen during which he had been involved in an accident despite a promising overall performance.
Within the Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 team, the 43-year-old driver is looking forward to being back on the track: “I have had wonderful moments in NASCAR. At Watkins Glen, there was a lot to learn but everyone supported me, and the competition was a real challenge.”
Contrary to the circuit located in the state of New York, Räikkönen is familiar with the COTA (Circuit Of The Americas) in Austin, as he notably won his last Formula 1 race there in 2018 with Ferrari: « It’s true that I know this circuit well. But with a NASCAR car, it will be completely different, particularly in terms of aerodynamic downforce. »
As usual, the one who started in F1 in 2001, the same year as a certain Fernando Alonso, will give everything to achieve a great performance: “I want to enjoy this race, but also do the best we can to obtain the best possible result.”
In addition to NASCAR, Räikkönen has already tried his hand at other categories. During his break from Formula 1 in 2010 and 2011, the Finnish driver notably participated in several rounds of the World Rally Championship with Citroën, achieving a best result of fifth place at the 2010 Rally Turkey.
