this is the end then, right? i didn’t even feel the years go by as i watched you on every other sunday morning, but now looking back we can put that time into perspective and admire the grandiosity of it all, how well you did it. ever since i was a kid i’d turn on the television on to watch you race, to watch you in the silver mclaren, then in the red ferrari, to win the championship in my country with my fellow countryman as a teammate, looking absolutely glorious in that podium.

it’s not the first time you leave though, and my heart broke the first time it happened, but i was happy to see it mended with pure love when you came back. to watch you in that black and gold lotus coming from the back of the grid to the top positions was the highlight of my days and that time will be kept fondly in my memory.

i can see that i changed too, with you by my side all along. on top of all the thrill you also helped me, even if you didn’t know you were doing so. as someone who’s been called “cold and distant” multiple times from the age of thirteen, you were such a reassuring presence to grow up watching... i could see some of myself in you, and the way you could just be yourself with all that confidence, setting boundaries as you pleased, not giving in to outside pressure to be something you were not, really made me more comfortable just to be myself... i think that’s precious and i’m forever and immensely thankful for that.

i’m crying now because i’ll miss you—you, your honest words, your speed and crooked smile—but i’m glad and honoured i got to grow up watching you race, to have you all those years, and in a way you also helped me become who i am today. i know you’re happy to be home responsibility free, enjoying your well deserved time with your lovely family, and it makes me happy too, despite these tears. i know this isn't a goodbye. thank you kimi, i’ll love and root for you always.