A past Formula One colleague of Lewis Hamilton has disclosed a critical health condition that necessitates life-saving open-heart surgery due to a hereditary illness.
The teammate alongside Hamilton during his inaugural Formula One World Championship triumph needs urgent medical intervention.
Heikki Kovalainen, renowned for his stints with Renault, McLaren, and Lotus, recently unveiled his diagnosis of an enlarged aorta, requiring immediate open-heart surgery. Despite transitioning to rally driving following his F1 tenure, the 42-year-old has had to halt his motorsport pursuits indefinitely.
Kovalainen has embarked on a journey across various countries seeking expert medical opinions in light of his medical predicament. His diligent efforts to explore treatment options have led to the decision to undergo surgery, prompted by a comprehensive evaluation involving an aortic aneurysm examination.
Kovalainen stated: “At the end of last season, I decided to have a thorough physical examination at the doctor’s. The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then this was revealed.
“It’s a hereditary disease that I can’t do anything about. It’s good that it was discovered now. Usually, this problem is asymptomatic, except when it first occurs.
“This health problem is sad because big things had been agreed for this season. The intention was to defend the championship in Japan with the new Yaris WRC2 car. In addition, it was planned to participate in some EC and WC asphalt rallies in Europe.
“My team is aware of my situation. I have been promised that as long as I get back into driving condition, the agreed things will be implemented. The probabilities are on my side. However, if it happens that I can’t continue racing despite the operation, then so be it. My primary goal is to get back to a normal life.”
Throughout his Formula One tenure from 2007 to 2013, Kovalainen amassed an impressive 112 entries, representing esteemed teams such as Renault, McLaren, Lotus, and Caterham.
The pinnacle of his racing journey materialized as a triumphant victory at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix while donning the McLaren colors. This memorable achievement saw him jubilantly share the podium with compatriot Kimi Raikkonen.
The curtains closed on Kovalainen’s Formula One chapter after the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, marking the end of an illustrious era.
With four podium finishes embellishing his legacy, he bid farewell to the pinnacle of motorsport, embarking on a new venture in the realm of motorsport by transitioning to compete in the Japan Rally Championship.
