Kimi Raikkonen bids farewell to Ferrari, returns to Sauber F1 Team

Finland Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen is to leave Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2018 season, returning to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team on a two-year contract, both teams announced on Tuesday.

Raikkonen first joined Sauber in 2001, where he had made his debut in F1, spending only one year before joining McLaren in 2002, reports Efe news.

"Guess who is back?! Next two years with Sauber F1 team ahead. Feels extremely good to go back where it all began," the 38-year-old racer wrote in his official Instagram account.

"Kimi's undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula One will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole," Team Principal of Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team Frederic Vasseur said in a statement.

So far, Raikkonen has claimed 20 Grand Prix wins and 100 podiums.

"As a World Champion for Scuderia Ferrari, he will always be part of the Team's history and family," Ferrari said in statement.

--IANS

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