LIGHTS TO FLAG: Heikki Kovalainen on going up against Hamilton, that Hungary win, and quitting F1 to race in Japan

Heikki Kovalainen joined the Formula 1 grid in 2007, and along with fellow rookie Lewis Hamilton, was tipped for great things after a highly impressive junior series career. He raced in the sport for seven years and became the championship’s 100th different race winner, but never quite managed to scale the heights of his one-time McLaren team mate Hamilton.
In our latest Lights To Flag feature we catch up with the Finn, who reflects on his time in Formula 1, going up against Hamilton, being managed by Flavio Briatore – and what he’s been up to since he quit Grand Prix racing in 2013…
Next Up
Related Articles
JacquesHow did the rookies do in their first F1 season?
Audi announce team name and global launch date for 2026 challenger
‘I have achieved my dream, that little boy's dream’ – Norris
F1, the FIA and 11 teams sign 2026 Concorde Agreement
3 inspiring individuals share their paths to working in F1
10 ways to get your Formula 1 fix during the winter break
