Raikkonen baffled by Rosberg retirement

Kimi Raikkonen says he "cannot understand" Nico Rosberg's decision to become a full-time Formula 1 analyst after retiring from the sport as a world champion in 2016. Rosberg stepped away from the sport just days after beating Lewis Hamilton to the crown, citing a need to spend more time with his family.

Rosberg works for both German and British television in media roles, which see him attend most grands prix on the calendar.

It is perhaps little surprise that the infamously media-shy Raikkonen has been baffled by his former rival's decision to stay so entrenched in F1, having opted to step away at the age of just 31.

"When he explained why [he is stopping] I thought it was cool and I understood," Raikkonen said at the launch event of his biography 'The Unknown'.

"Now he's standing there with a microphone. I cannot understand why given the reasons he gave for wanting to leave."

Raikkonen had been tipped to retire at the end of the year when Charles Leclerc was being heavily linked with his seat, but a two-year deal could now be in the offing for the Finn, who sits third in the drivers' championship after regaining his mojo somewhat in 2018.

The veteran has said this year that he is still enjoying racing, but says he will find it easier than Rosberg seemingly has to avoid the racetrack when he does bow out.

He said: "It will not be hard to stop this job. I will be relieved when all of the things not involving driving will end. The driving is great but nothing else.

"I'm interested in doing something like developing a car, but in the background not in public. It will not be standing with a microphone."