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F1 Star Raikkonen launches ‘Iron Cross’ clothing brand with Nazi-saluting business partner
Retired Finnish driver has teamed up with businessman once pictured wearing a Waffen SS cap for new venture
December 8, 2022 12:37
Retired Finnish driver has teamed up with businessman once pictured wearing a Waffen SS cap for new venture
December 8, 2022 12:37Formula 1 motor racing legend Kimi Raikkonen is facing questions about the personal clothing brand he has launched with the Nazi-saluting ex-husband of Hollywood star Sandra Bullock.
The retired F1 star has partnered with Ms Bullock’s ex, businessman Jesse James, who was once pictured wearing a Waffen SS cap and giving a Hitler salute.
The Finnish driver, who left Grand Prix racing last year after a record 349 starts, has teamed up with Mr James’ biker fashion firm West Coast Choppers to launch his KIMI range of apparel.
Jesse James' Nazis salute (US Weekly)
But the former World Champion Raikkonen, 43, is facing questions about some of the clothing and accessories he is endorsing which feature a prominent Iron Cross image, particularly given Mr James’ past exploits.
Ms Bullock, who split with Mr James shortly the Nazi-picture was published, admitted she was deeply “shocked” and “sad” to see the “stupid, ignorant” photo.
She added: “This is not the man I married… Racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, homophobia, anything Nazi and a boatload of other things have no place in my life. ”
The Iron Cross featured in the KIMI by West Coast Choppers range appears to resemble the insignia adopted by the Nazis at the beginning of World War Two.
Originally a Prussian Army military decoration and also awarded in the First World War, the medal was appropriated by Adolf Hitler in 1939.
Raikkonen, who drove for McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus and Alfa Romeo during a glittering Formula One career, was seen wearing the iron cross image on a custom-made face covering at a race in 2020.
In the same season, he controversially remained standing when fellow racer Lewis Hamilton urged drivers to take the knee moments before opening Austrian Grand Prix in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Clothing with Iron Cross emblem
