With the 2009 Formula 1 season drawing to a close, there is the inevitable departures of drivers, team members, and in some cases – whole teams that needs to take place. Some will get reshuffled into new teams, some will go altogether, and some new blood will enter the paddock. Here’s a brief rundown of the F1 goodbyes in 2009.
Kimi Raikkonen & Fernando Alonso
After 3 years with Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen is being replaced by Fernando Alonso. Raikkonen is yet to sign a deal with a new team for 2010, however he has been linked with a drive at McLaren and Toyota, the former being the most likely slot.
Raikkonen won the drivers world championship with the team in his debut year, as well as the constructers in 2007 and 2008.
There is also an outside chance the Raikkonen will leave the sport altogether. He has frequently mentioned when interviewed that if the right race seat doesn’t become available he will leave Formula 1 for good. We don’t think he’s bluffing…
Fernando Alonso also leaves his Renault team for the second time in his F1 career. With the team in disarray, Pat Symonds and Flavio Briatore also gone, it makes complete sense that Alonso would want to move away. That said, there are some whispers that the Ferrari deal has been in place since last year, however it couldn’t be made then for whatever reasons.
