In January 2022, Formula One legend Kimi Raikkonen took on a new challenge as the Team Principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team’s MXGP squad. This move has proven to be a successful one as the team continues to excel in the ongoing 2023 season.

Formula One racers are known for their high fitness levels. Fans of the sport are often treated to videos and social media posts of their favorite drivers engaging in various sports activities such as cycling and karting. However, what is not commonly seen is F1 drivers participating in motocross, unlike MotoGP riders who often engage in motocross activities.

There could be several reasons for this disparity. While F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and Daniel Ricciardo have expressed their love for street motorcycles, these activities are usually considered personal hobbies rather than part of their training or competition. It remains unclear whether F1 drivers are prohibited from pursuing activities that could potentially put them at risk of injury and affect their professional careers.

However, a recent interview with Kimi Raikkonen during the 2023 MXGP season revealed his lifelong passion for motocross. Despite not actively competing in serious MX races, Raikkonen mentioned that he participated in some club races in the past using a Kawasaki KX250. He has been riding motorcycles regularly since childhood, both for fun and as part of his physical training routine. He particularly enjoys the unique physical demands of motocross.

During the interview, Raikkonen was asked if he was allowed to race motocross as a Formula One driver. In response, he said, “Sometimes I went riding in small club races, but it was just for fun, and I have a small track at home here with the kids. I did not race at a high level, and I felt it was part of my fitness program. I don’t know what any of my teams thought about it as I never mentioned it to them.” Raikkonen’s reserved nature and tendency to keep his personal pursuits private make this statement particularly intriguing.

As for the performance of the KRT MXGP team in 2023, there are only four events left on the season calendar as of August 18, 2023. After 15 rounds, Romain Febvre, a rider for the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, currently holds the second position in the championship standings with 672 points. The championship leader is Jorge Prado of GasGas with 770 points.