Raikkonen 'very happy' to join Sauber in 2019

Finish Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen, who had announced his exit from Ferrari by the end of 2018 season, has said that he is "very happy" to join the Sauber Formula One team next year.

The 39-year-old further stated that he enjoyed his time with Ferrari, adding that he now wants to face different challenges.

"I think people don't understand that I'm actually very happy where I'm going," Sport24 quoted Raikkonen, as saying.

"I had my time with Ferrari, I won the championship with them. I won many races with them and for me, as a driver, I want different challenges, I want different things and I'm actually very happy to go there," he added.

Reflecting on his decision to join Sauber, Raikonnen stated that he never felt disappointed with his move. Moreover, it will keep him close to his family as Sauber is roughly 40 minutes away from his home, he continued.

"It (Sauber) is roughly 40 minutes from my home. For sure my family will be happy, I'm happy to be with my family. I think it's probably the best thing. I wasn't really disappointed with the decision at any point," he said.

Yesterday, Raikkonen had registered his first victory in last five years by finishing at the top of the podium in the United States (US) Grand Prix.

Raikkonen had made a World Championship winning debut for Ferrari in 2007. He left the team at the end of 2009, spending 2010 and 2011 with National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) competing in the World Rally Championship.

He then returned to Formula 1 with Lotus in 2012, where he spent two seasons. He rejoined Ferrari in 2014 and was associated with the team since then.