Kimi Raikkonen caught the Formula 1 world off-guard when it emerged he’s leaving Ferrari for Sauber at the end of the season.While it has long been unclear if the Finn could keep his seat with the 15-time champions beyond 2018, few would’ve expected him to agree on a switch to his old team.Sauber gave Raikkonen his F1 debut 17 years back before he jumped ship to McLaren and then Ferrari in 2007.So, it’s only natural the usually glassy character allowed himself to show some emotion in the Instagram post confirming his return to the Swiss outfit.He wrote: “Guess who’s back?! Next two years with @sauberf1team ahead! Feels extremely good to go back where it all began!”Less surprisingly, however, the 38-year-old feels he still has plenty left to give at the highest level of racing.“I don’t feel that I drive any differently than 10 years ago,” he told the press, per the official F1 website.“I think I drive pretty well, in my books at least, and that’s enough for me. I wouldn't be here if I didn’t feel I can drive as well as I feel that I should… People always say that the speed will disappear, but until this day I feel that it hasn’t disappeared for me.”Well, given Raikkonen has secured a podium finish in nine of the 11 races he’s completed this season, his performances rod back up his confidence.He hasn’t won a Grand Prix since 2013 in Australia - but that has nothing to with Sauber’s eagerness to welcome him back next year.In exchange for an opportunity to add a second drivers’ title to his mantelpiece, Raikkonen will offer the experience and consistency the team need to earn a steady flow of points throughout the next two campaigns.That said, it will be sad to see the end of his involvement in the intense Mercedes-Ferrari battle fans have been treated to during recent years.It seems the current constructors will miss his rivalry, too, after they directed a class tweet at the veteran soon after he announced the move.Referencing the magnitude of his decision, Mercedes wrote: “*Immediately cancels all content plans for the day* #Kimi7 #F1.”

Great stuff.

Even if it’s not while driving for Ferrari, there’s no doubt Raikkonen will forever relish getting one over Mercedes for the rest of career.