Max Verstappen compares Monaco GP retirement to Kimi Raikkonen's 2006 exit
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 8:52 AM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
Max Verstappen retired early from the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix after failing to start properly from P2. His car experienced engine issues, leaving him unable to compete even after the formation lap. Fans quickly drew parallels between Verstappen's situation and Kimi Raikkonen's memorable 2006 exit, where Raikkonen was seen relaxing in a hot tub after retiring due to engine failure. After his own brief race, Verstappen also returned to a yacht, prompting widespread commentary on social media. Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, continued his winning streak in the race, recording his fifth consecutive victory.
- •Verstappen retired early due to engine failure.
- •He started the race from P2 but barely moved off the grid.
- •Fans compared his exit to Raikkonen's iconic 2006 retirement.
- •Kimi Antonelli secured his fifth consecutive win.
- •Verstappen returned to his yacht after the race.
- 8:52 AMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen’s Monaco GP retirement sparks Kimi Raikkonen comparison
- 8:52 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen’s Monaco GP retirement sparks Kimi Raikkonen comparison
"20 years separate these two moments, but following a disappointing 2026 Monaco Grand Prix for Max Verstappen, the Dutchman has been compared to the legendary Kimi Raikkonen. In 2006, after his McLaren caught fire due to a heat shield failure at the Monte Carlo race, Raikkonen was watched by hundreds of thousands of people internationally as he waltzed away from the burning carcass of a car ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen’s early Monaco GP exit drew comparisons with Kimi Raikkonen’s iconic 2006 retirement
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 8:52 AMMax Verstappen’s Monaco GP retirement sparks Kimi Raikkonen comparison
Max Verstappen’s early Monaco GP exit drew comparisons with Kimi Raikkonen’s iconic 2006 retirement
- Motorsport.comJun 8, 2026, 8:52 AMMax Verstappen’s Monaco GP retirement sparks Kimi Raikkonen comparison
20 years separate these two moments, but following a disappointing 2026 Monaco Grand Prix for Max Verstappen, the Dutchman has been compared to the legendary Kimi Raikkonen. In 2006, after his McLaren caught fire due to a heat shield failure at the Monte Carlo race, Raikkonen was watched by hundreds of thousands of people internationally as he waltzed away from the burning carcass of a car ...Keep reading
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