Finnish motorsport legend Kimi Räikkönen has once again got rally fans excited. The 2007 Formula 1 World Champion has made a surprise announcement that he will return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the 2026 season, sparking huge interest in the motorsport world. Räikkönen, known by his nickname “Iceman”, competed in the WRC in 2010-2011 with the Citroën junior team and his own ICE 1 Racing team, but his return is an unexpected twist in a career that has in recent years focused on occasional races, such as the NASCAR series. Räikkönen revealed the news in an interview with Ilta-Sanomat, saying: “Rallying has always been close to my heart. Now is the right time to come back and see what the bucks can do.” The announcement has sparked a stir in the rally world, especially in Finland, where Räikkönen is a national hero.

Räikkönen, a 46-year-old driver from Espoo, is known not only for his F1 career but also for his passion for rallying. His previous WRC career began in 2009, when he drove a Fiat in the Super2000 class in the Finnish Rally Championship for Tommi Mäkinen Racing. In 2010 and 2011, he competed in a full season in a Citroën C4 WRC and a DS3 WRC, achieving his best result at the 2010 Rally Turkey, where he finished fifth. Räikkönen collected 59 WRC points in his career from 21 events, but podium finishes remained a dream. His co-driver at the time was Kaj Lindström, and fans are now speculating whether Lindström could return alongside Räikkönen in the 2026 season. Räikkönen has not yet confirmed his team or car, but rumors suggest that he could join a private team, possibly with Toyota or Hyundai equipment.

The World Rally Championship has changed a lot since Räikkönen’s last visit. For the 2026 season, Rally1 cars will still be used, but hybrid units have been removed, and Hankook has replaced Pirelli as tire supplier. New events have been added to the calendar, such as the Paraguay and Saudi Arabia rallies, and Estonia is returning to the series. Kalle Rovanperä and Sami Pajari have confirmed they will drive for the Toyota factory team, so Räikkönen’s return would give Finnish fans even more to watch. Räikkönen himself has stressed that he will not drive a full season, but will focus on selected events, such as the Finnish Rally Championship, which is his home race. “I don’t want a strict schedule like last time. I want to enjoy driving on my own terms,” he told DirtFish.

Räikkönen’s return raises questions about his competitiveness. Although he showed speed in his WRC career, for example by winning a special stage at the 2010 Rally Germany, the reading of notes and the rhythm of the rally were challenging for him compared to F1 circuits. However, his experience and natural driving skills still make him a formidable opponent. Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota’s team principal, has previously praised Räikkönen’s potential, telling Ilta-Lehti: “Kimi brought a huge amount of visibility to rallying. His return would be a great story.” Latvala hinted that Räikkönen could test Toyota’s Rally2 car, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Fans have welcomed the news with enthusiasm. On the X-platform, many Finnish supporters have expressed their joy, and the hashtag #IcemanWRC has become a trending topic. Others, however, doubt whether Räikkönen can challenge younger drivers such as Thierry Neuville or Rovanperä, who dominate the series. However, Räikkönen’s relaxed attitude and reticence are part of his charm, and his return will undoubtedly bring more international attention to the WRC. His previous participation raised the profile of the rally, and the same is expected now, especially as the series struggles to attract new car manufacturers.

In the 2026 season, Räikkönen could compete in rallies such as Monte Carlo, Sweden or Finland, which suit his driving style. His return comes at an interesting time, as the WRC series is undergoing a transformation with new rules and race venues. Räikkönen’s participation could also inspire other former F1 drivers, such as Lando Norris, who has tested a WRC car. Räikkönen’s passion for motorsport and his ability to surprise make him an unpredictable factor. When the 2026 season starts in Monte Carlo, Finnish fans are already eagerly awaiting what “The Iceman” will bring. Räikkönen’s return is not only a nostalgic moment but also a demonstration that his competitive spirit has not died down, even though his F1 career ended in 2021.