Kimi Raikkonen Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Kimi Räikkönen’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings: What Are They?

A Finnish racing driver, Kimi Räikkönen boasts a net worth of $250 million. During his peak years, he earned over $50 million annually, placing him among the highest-paid athletes globally. Known as “Iceman,” Räikkönen earned this moniker for several reasons: originating from the chilly climate of Finland, maintaining composure under pressure, and displaying a frosty demeanor towards the media, fellow racers, and teammates.

He stands as one of the most accomplished Finnish Formula One drivers in history, having clinched 21 Grand Prix victories. Kimi raced for an array of Formula One teams, achieving the most significant success with Ferrari. Beyond Formula One, he has also participated in various motorsport events like the World Rally Championship, NASCAR, and snowmobile races.

On September 1, 2021, Kimi publicly declared his intention to retire at the conclusion of the Formula 1 season.

Early Life

Kimi-Matias Räikkönen was born on October 17, 1979, in Espoo, Finland. He commenced racing at a young age, starting his journey in karting at just 10 years old. By 15, he was racing in Monaco, displaying remarkable resilience as he continued to drive even after his steering wheel broke. As a child, Kimi suffered a bicycle accident that harmed his vocal cords, leaving him with a unique speaking style.

Eventually, he progressed to more prestigious competitions such as the Nordic Championship, the European Formula Super A Championship, the Formula Ford Euro Cup, the British Formula Renault Winter Series, and the Formula Renault UK Championship. His impressive performances paved the way for a future in Formula One.

Formula One

Kimi joined the Sauber Formula One team, making his debut at the Mugello Circuit in 2000. Demonstrating exceptional talent, the Sauber team aimed to keep him under the radar from competitors until he appeared on the broader stage. In 2001, he received his F1 license, having only participated in 23 races.

Following a strong debut year with Sauber, Räikkönen moved to the McLaren team in 2002. He achieved a third-place finish in his first race with McLaren, but persistent engine issues hindered his potential. Nonetheless, he captured his first race victory in 2003 and continued to deliver impressive performances despite using an outdated engine and chassis. The team maintained a competitive edge, remaining in the Constructors’ Championship race until the final event of the season, where Räikkönen also contended with Michael Schumacher.

Throughout the 2004 season, engine problems persisted, yet Räikkönen continued to perform at a high level. Many observers regarded him as one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars, prompting interest from other teams. Various issues plagued McLaren’s cars in 2005, leading Räikkönen to contemplate leaving the team. However, he enjoyed notable successes that year, earning Autosport’s “International Driver of the Year” honor.

A similar sequence of events transpired for Räikkönen in 2006, and in 2007, he finally departed McLaren to join Ferrari. He concluded his first season with Ferrari by winning the World Drivers Championship. In the subsequent year, he won the DHL Fastest Lap Award for the second consecutive season, achieving 10 fastest laps throughout that time.

During the 2009 season, Ferrari’s performance noticeably lagged compared to Red Bull and Brawn. Räikkönen finished 12th that year and, following unsuccessful negotiations with various teams, subsequently exited Formula One for a period of time.

In the WRC, despite showing promise and achieving respectable results, Kimi Räikkönen often found himself just outside the top competitors.

In 2011, Räikkönen decided to pivot once more, trying out NASCAR. He demonstrated his capabilities but could not secure a contract. He made a comeback to Formula One in 2012 with Lotus, quickly proving he had retained his skill by achieving podium finishes and finishing third overall. Kimi followed up with a victory at the Australian Grand Prix in 2013, although he had to cut his season short due to a back injury. From 2014 to 2018, Räikkönen rejoined Ferrari. While he couldn’t reclaim his previous championship-winning form, Kimi continued to perform admirably and received contract extensions with the team, concluding his final season at Ferrari in 2018 with a third-place finish.

In 2019, Räikkönen became part of Alfa Romeo Racing. He once again showcased his enduring talent with a strong start to the season, helping elevate the team’s success. Nonetheless, 2020 witnessed a noticeable drop in performance, resulting in him primarily becoming Alfa Romeo’s secondary driver to the less experienced Antonio Giovinazzi.

Relationships

Kimi met Finnish model Jenni Dahlman in 2002, and they tied the knot two years later. Their union lasted nearly a decade before their divorce in 2014. Following this, Räikkönen got engaged to another model, Minna-Mari Virtanen. Their first child was born in 2015, and a year later, they officially wed. In 2017, the couple welcomed their second child together.

Real Estate

Kimi Räikkönen, with his impressive net worth, possesses a considerable portfolio of real estate. In 2008, he was particularly active in property dealings, first selling his Finnish home for 14.5 million Euros. This residence is reportedly located in Helsinki and boasts eight rooms. He then invested in a luxurious beachfront property in Phuket, Thailand, for $1.5 million, intending to use it as a vacation retreat for himself, family, and friends.

In 2009, Kimi bought a “dream home” in Baar, Switzerland, for $24 million. This lavish villa is a short drive from Zurich and was named “Butterfly” by Räikkönen upon completion of the purchase. It includes 3,000 square feet of living space, outdoor pools, and, of course, a spacious underground garage for a car enthusiast. In 2014, it was reported that Kimi had another residence in Helsinki for 3 million Euros. Additionally, there are rumors of him owning other properties in Dubai, Porkkola, and Tahko.