Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has given his “utmost respect” to Heikki Kovalainen after the Finn celebrated two years since major heart surgery.
Kovalainen is best known for his two seasons as teammate to Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, where he took his solitary Grand Prix victory in Hungary, in 2008.
He was also known for his spells with Renault and Lotus in what was a 111-race career, achieving another three podium finishes before quitting F1 in 2013, focusing on GT Racing and rallying.
The 44-year-old underwent open heart surgery in 2024 to treat an aortic aneurysm and recovered to return to racing shortly afterwards.
Hard to believe it's over 2 years since my open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm. It was something that was discovered in a medical check-up, without any symptoms. I'm forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who looked after me, and to be able to live my life without… pic.twitter.com/f33BWlUkXk
— Heikki Kovalainen (@H_Kovalainen) April 21, 2026
Posting on social media, Kovalainen said he was “forever grateful” to those who treated him, with a before-and-after photo of the scar.
“Hard to believe it’s over two years since my open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm.
“It was something that was discovered in a medical check-up, without any symptoms.
“I’m forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who looked after me, and to be able to live my life without limitations is truly a blessing.
“A fading scar is reminding me of that event everyday when I’m looking at the mirror.”
In response to the Tweet, Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle wrote: “Well done Heikki. You’re a true professional and have my utmost respect.”
READ MORE – Audi promotes ex-F1 driver in crucial management reshuffle
Discussion about this post