Kimi Raikkonen says he is yet to determine whether to continue his Formula 1 career into 2021, revealing that family considerations will influence his choice.
Raikkonen is on the brink of becoming Formula 1’s most experienced driver, having started 318 races since he made his debut with Sauber in 2001.
Raikkonen returned to the rebranded Alfa Romeo squad for 2019 following lengthy stints at McLaren, Lotus and Ferrari, as well as spending two years competing in the World Rally Championship.
The 40-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current 2020 campaign.
“I need to decide what I will do and we’ll see,” he said. “Right now, that’s the first thing to decide.
“You’d much rather race in a better position, or fighting for the points, but there’s never a guarantee, wherever you go, that it’s going to be good or bad.
“I think the bigger picture is much more important for me.
“First of all comes the family, the kids are getting bigger, this year I’ve been able to be more home, which is great and I think that’s what makes me decide to continue racing or not.
“There’s going to be a point where I’ll want to be home and do other things, but not yet.”
It is understood that Nico Hulkenberg is on Alfa Romeo’s shortlist while the team is also believed to be waiting for the Sergio Perez-Racing Point saga to be clarified before determining its choice.
Antonio Giovinazzi, meanwhile, currently occupies the seat over which Ferrari has sway, with youngsters Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman and Mick Schumacher competing at the sharp end of the Formula 2 grid.
Giovinazzi added that “it’s still a bit too early” to discuss his future, believing that “I just know I need to continue like I’m doing, be consistent, be competitive, and then we’ll see.”
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