Two years after delicate heart surgery, the former Formula 1 driver updated his health status on social media and revealed the scars from the procedure.
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“Hard to believe it’s over two years since my open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm. It was something discovered during a medical check-up, without any symptoms,” he wrote. He also thanked the medical team: “I’m forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who looked after me, and to be able to live my life without limitations is truly a blessing. A fading scar reminds me of that moment every day when I look in the mirror.”
Hard to believe it’s over 2 years since my open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm. It was something that was discovered in a medical check-up, without any symptoms. I’m forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who looked after me, and to be able to live my life without… pic.twitter.com/f33BWlUkXk
— Heikki Kovalainen (@H_Kovalainen) April 21, 2026
The operation took place in 2024 to correct an aortic aneurysm, a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. The procedure was successful but required a temporary break from racing.
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Kovalainen debuted in Formula 1 in 2007 with the Renault F1 Team, replacing Fernando Alonso. He then raced for McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton and won the Hungarian GP in 2008. He also raced for Lotus and Caterham, ending his last full season in 2012.
After Formula 1, he continued in motorsport in categories such as Super GT and races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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