Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen were Formula 1 team-mates for two seasons at McLaren, during which time the Finn won one race while his Briton won the championship.
Former Formula 1 racer Heikki Kovalainen has undergone successful open-heart surgery in the USA.
The Finn, who raced alongside Lewis Hamilton for two seasons at McLaren, revealed earlier this week that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta. To fix the problem, the 42-year-old needed to go under the knife.
Kovalainen, who also raced for Renault, Caterham and Lotus, said the problem was discovered late last year. He has been rallying since his time in F1 came to an end, but has had to put that career on hold after a physical exam revealed the heart issue.
In a video on social media, Kovalainen confirmed that his surgery in Florida had been a success. He said: “I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm at the end of last year. Basically, a piece of the ascending aorta that was dilated quite a lot.
Last week, I underwent surgery at the University Hospital in Tampa, specifically in the heart hospital unit. The medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and assistants, provided excellent care during my time there.
The surgery was an open heart procedure, resulting in a permanent scar on my chest underneath my shirt. The operation was successful and we were able to accomplish our planned goals.
The prognosis is positive, with a chance for complete recovery and regaining full health.
However, only time will determine the actual outcome. Currently, the projections are promising, and I am happy about that.
Kovalainen received numerous messages of support from prominent racers and well-known Finnish personalities.
Hamilton sent his wishes for Kovalainen’s speedy recovery, stating “Get well soon Heikki, praying for you,” and former footballer Mikael Forssell also offered words of encouragement, saying “Strength for your recovery, Heikki.”
In an interview with Mirror Sport in March, Kovalainen reflected on his Formula 1 career and acknowledged that his chance with the championship-winning Renault team happened prematurely.
He stated, “I received a competitive car at the beginning of my Formula 1 career, before I was fully prepared.” “I don’t think of myself as a very quick learner. I believe that I require some time to develop my skills gradually.
I think I had the potential to excel as a Formula 1 driver, maybe even better than average.
I don’t believe I could have been as successful as Hamilton, Senna, or Schumacher, but I could have been a valuable asset to various teams if circumstances had been different.”
He competed in 111 F1 races before his career ended in 2013 after a few races with Lotus. He mentioned that he wished he could have continued in Formula 1 for a longer period, but has since moved on and no longer feels resentful about it.