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P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kimi Raikkonen revealed he would step away from F1 at the end of the 2009 season on this day, November 19, sixteen years ago.
On November 19, 2009, Kimi Raikkonen shocked the F1 paddock by announcing his sabbatical, as Ferrari opted for Fernando Alonso. Raikkonen’s decision was unconventional, as he opted to take a break instead of seeking another team. His racing credentials were solid, including a 2007 F1 championship win and victories in subsequent seasons. The negotiations for a McLaren return during his sabbatical were complex, with financial disagreements leading to an impasse. Ultimately, McLaren shifted their focus to signing Jenson Button, making Raikkonen’s McLaren comeback plans obsolete.
