Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel Announce Surprise Return to Formula 2 in February 2026.
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the global motorsport community, former Formula 1 World Champions Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel have jointly announced their unexpected return to competitive racing—this time in Formula 2. The news, confirmed during a press event earlier today, marks one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern racing history and has already sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and teams alike.
Räikkönen, known widely as “The Iceman,” retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season. Vettel followed suit a year later, leaving the sport in 2022 after an illustrious career that included four consecutive world titles. Since stepping away from Formula 1, both drivers have pursued other interests, with Räikkönen competing in various motorsport disciplines and Vettel dedicating much of his time to environmental activism and family commitments. Their return—especially to Formula 2 rather than Formula 1—has raised a unique set of questions about their intentions and goals.
According to the duo, the move is driven less by a desire to relive past glories and more by a shared passion for pure racing. During the announcement, Vettel explained that Formula 2 offers a “raw and refreshing form of motorsport” that he has missed in recent years. “There’s a simplicity and purity to Formula 2. It’s about driver skill, close battles, and pushing limits without the layers of politics and pressure we grew accustomed to in Formula 1,” he said. Räikkönen, true to his famously understated style, added, “I just want to race. That’s it.”
The pair will compete as teammates for a newly formed team backed by a consortium of private investors and former F1 personnel. While the team name and full lineup of engineers have not yet been publicly confirmed, insiders suggest the project has been in development quietly for over a year. Both drivers reportedly began private testing earlier this winter, fueling rumors that a major announcement was imminent.
Their entry into Formula 2 is expected to have a profound impact on the series. While Formula 2 traditionally serves as a proving ground for young aspiring drivers, the addition of two former F1 champions will dramatically increase global attention. Broadcasters and promoters are already preparing for what may become the most-watched F2 season in history. Many young drivers have expressed excitement at the chance to compete directly against two legends, viewing it as a rare learning opportunity.
However, some critics argue that the presence of veterans could overshadow developing talent or distort the competitive balance of the championship. Organizers, on the other hand, insist that the move will elevate the sport and attract new audiences without compromising fairness.
As February 2026 approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether Räikkönen and Vettel will dominate the field, struggle to adapt, or simply enjoy the thrill of racing once more remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the motorsport world will be watching closely as two beloved champions embark on an unexpected new chapter in their legendary careers.
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