'I hope he doesn't regret not going out on top': F1 reacts to Kimi's Sauber switch

Tuesday morning proved to be a busy one for Ferrari, as they not only announced Kimi Raikkonen would be leaving at the end of the season, but that his replacement would be the exciting Sauber star Charles Leclerc, with both drivers swapping teams for 2019.

Raikkonen's drive with Ferrari has been under threat since the start of this campaign, with numerous potential replacements lined up for the Finn, including Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton and even Fernando Alonso.

But months of speculation came to an end when Leclerc was chosen - and he was pretty happy about the move.

Dreams do come true... I'll be driving for @scuderiaferrari for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship. I will be eternally grateful to @scuderiaferrari for the opportunity given. To @nicolastodt for supporting me since 2011. To my family??. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/O4GQVO570b — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) 11 September 2018

To a person that is not part of this world anymore but to whom I owe everything of what is happening to me, Papa. To Jules, thank you for all the things you learnt me, we will never forget you, and to all the persons that supported me and believed in me. 2/3 — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) 11 September 2018

I will work harder than ever to not disappoint you. But first, there is a season to finish with an amazing team that gave me the opportunity to fight and show my potential. Let's go @SauberF1Team ?? — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) 11 September 2018

Raikkonen took to Instagram to comment on the changes, and did not acknowledge Ferrari, instead opting to look ahead to the future, returning to his spiritual home of Sauber, whom he drove for back in 2001.

View this post on Instagram

Guess who’s back?! Next two years with @sauberf1team ahead! Feels extremely good to go back where it all began!

A post shared by Kimi Räikkönen (@kimimatiasraikkonen) on Sep 11, 2018 at 1:13am PDT

Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle was wary of Kimi's move, however, stating that he hopes Raikkonen has made the correct decision - moving to another team further down the grid at his age.

So Kimi can imagine driving for another team, Sauber. ????. Good for him but feels strange to me as he heads to 40. Admire his passion and determination, hope he doesn’t regret not going out at the top. — Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) 11 September 2018

Some of Raikkonen's fans took to Twitter to give their view on his exit. Some slammed Ferrari for the decision, while others chose to pay tribute to their hero.

Ferrari, the reason you don´t have more F1-champions, is because you clearly have no idea about strategy and tactics. This confirms that. Clowns. — Johan (@johan_bengtsson) 11 September 2018

Couldn't stand this red suit anyway. Relieved he finally understood his place was somewhere else. Where he'll get respect and no team orders for a spoilt brat who won't be your next champion. Ciaooo — t??_???ς?l? (@quentline) 11 September 2018

Dissapointed to hear this....

Now lets Kimi fights for poles and wins, it will be a proper send off for the 2007 Ferrari World Champion and the most unique Ferrari's driver ever.

There is only one Kimi Raikkonen.#Kimi7 #WeWantKimi #Ferrari #F1 — Brendenn (@Brendd88) 11 September 2018

Only few people has enjoyed cult following in F1 like Hunt, Senna, Schumacher and since his comeback it's Kimi. I would not have felt bad had he been dropped 2 years back when he was out of form. Today he is in prime form and is the best fit for that Ferrari.#ThankYouKimi — Gireesh (@GireeshS22) 11 September 2018

One thing that most F1 fans can agree on, however, is that it's good that Kimi is hanging around in the sport.