ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 25: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari walks in the Paddock before practice for the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 25, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen has been honoured by the Finnish Prime Minister in a ceremony in Helsinki on Tuesday.

Never before have the Finnish government appointed anyone as an Ambassador for Sport, but it did so at a Sport Gala for Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen received the honour from Prime Minister Juha Sipila and he was overwhelmed by the gesture…

“I’m not that used to making formal speeches,” said Raikkonen. “But I would like to wish all the best to the winners in every category, as well as those who missed out on the prizes this year. I would stress how important it has been in my case to have the support of my family and help from trustworthy colleagues and the people within the Ferrari Team, with whom I have worked for so many years now.”

Kimi’s presence at the gala had been kept secret right up until the last moment.