Raikkonen approached Sauber for 2019 seat

I agree 100%. I used to deride those that talked a out money being a motivatio, but seriously, Kimi is perpetually displeased, complaining about the sport more frequently than when he left the first time. He did a solid job with Lotus, but since switching to Ferrari it's been embarrassing. He tarnished his whole legacy as another sad Ferrari #2 driver.

I really hope he finds new motivation in Sauber because if he doesn't I rather he get the hell out of F1

Oh definitely. I am 100% with you on not believing him being "in it for the money", but looking at the situation it kinda makes sense. The dude's even been better paid than Hammy in some estimations. I think he has been stuck with a car that doesnt fit his style ever since he came back to Ferrari, just letting Vettel and Alonso run the show while he sat back and made the dough. I hope we'll see good stuff from him at Sauber. Surely a challenge like bringing his old starter team back to glory, and becoming the de facto lead driver, should ignite a spark?

To be clear, I used to disbelieve the money motivations. Nowadays, I absolutely believe that money is the main reason for sticking around. He hasn't had any passion or joy since leaving Lotus. And still, that makes sense to me. What doesn't make sense is why Ferrari kept such a mediocre and expensive driver for so long

Yeah same... I did formulate that a bit poorly, didnt I? I used to think Kimi was a racing purist, his time at Williams really made me sure on that. After 2016 and onward, and after seeing the sums he allegedly earn, I kinda changed my mind. As for why Ferrari kept him: Kimi might be costy, but he also have a pretty decent selection of sponsors, and he is another big name driver. Furthermore, a major reason that has been confirmed is that Vettel wanted him to stay, and convinced Ferrari again and again to retain him. Him not staying now could mean that either Vettel's favour aint enough anymore, or Vettel doesnt have enough favour left for Kimi. My question now is: how will Sauber afford such a big name driver?

"how will Sauber afford such a big name driver?"

Someone else must be paying for him. Maybe Liberty Media? They need to keep some big names. That's all he is now, just a name. He stopped being a racing driver a long time ago.

Or may be Kimi is really intesrested in racing, and want to drive in F1.

Yes I don't know if this has been confirmed or denied, but some said he bought some stock in Sauber and him driving for them is part of the deal.

I doubt it is for money, I believe he simply wants to drive, not the fight for the championship and the pressure and media obligations it brings...

At Sauber he'll enjoy driving and battling the midfield even if he himself is somehow paying for that drive...

@DGuzmanG I actually agree with the fact that he is actually motivated to be at Sauber. I expect him to raise his game quite a bit. My comments were more about his entire embarrassing stint at Ferrari where he was neutered.

Thats a good point. However it should be noted that he joined Ferrari before being a dad, his kid was born pretty recently in comparison.

If you refer to him returning to F1: I disagree that he shouldnt have returned. What he shouldnt have done was returning to Ferrari and settling for 2nd driver when he is such a big name.

I believe that he tarnished his reputation and image. He went out on a relative high and should've stayed out.

On the other hand, I wouldn't really say no to a couple of millions every year either. :)

So it was a balance between cashing in or staying remebered as a really cool champion. We can see which path he chose.

Couple of millions? I m afraid its tens of millions per year.