Raikkonen's career comes full circle with return to Sauber!

©WRI

Following Kimi Raikkonen's departure from Ferrari, Alfa Romeo Sauber has announced that the Finn with return in 2019 to the team where it all started for him in 2001.

"The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team is delighted to announce that Kimi Räikkönen will join the team from 2019. The 2007 Formula One World Champion has signed for the next two seasons," the Swiss outfit said in a statement.

Raikkonen to step down from Ferrari at the end of 2018!

"Signing Kimi Räikkönen as our driver represents an important pillar of our project, and brings us closer to our target of making significant progress as a team in the near future," added Sauber team boss Frédéric Vasseur.

"Kimi’s undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula One will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole.

"Together, we will start the 2019 season with a strong foundation, driven by the determination to fight for results that count."

Raikkonen spent his formative first year in F1 with Sauber in 2001, graduating to the big time with just 23 race starts under his belt, having previously raced in Formula Ford and in British Formula Renault.

Raikkonen left Sauber after a single year when he was recruited by McLaren boss Ron Dennis. His first career win in F1 came the following season in 2003 when he won the Malaysian Grand Prix for the Woking-based outfit.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.