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Lewis Hamilton's former F1 team-mate needs life-saving surgery after receiving diagnosis

A former F1 team-mate of Lewis Hamilton's has revealed he needs life-saving open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with a hereditary illness

[Heikki Kovalainen]

Heikki Kovalainen revealed he needs life-saving surgery(Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Hamiltons team-mate when he won his first Formula One World Championship requires life-saving surgery.

Former Renault, McLaren and Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen revealed he has been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and requires open-heart surgery. The 42-year-old has been a rally driver since leaving F1 but has had to put his career on hold.

The Fin has been travelling to different countries to seek medical advice for his condition and he will soon undergo surgery after undergoing an aortic aneurysm test.

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Speaking to Finish outlet Iltalehti, Kovalainen said: At the end of last season, I decided to have a thorough physical examination at the doctor's. The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then this was revealed.

It's a hereditary disease that I can't do anything about. It's good that it was discovered now. Usually, this problem is asymptomatic, except when it first occurs, he added.

Whats your favourite Heikki Kovalainen moment? Let us know in the comments section.

[Heikki Kovalainen - Lewis Hamilton]

The Fin was Lewis Hamilton's team-mate at McLaren(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

His surgery has forced him to cancel his plans to participate in several races across Europe this year. He added: This health problem is sad, because big things had been agreed for this season. The intention was to defend the championship in Japan with the new Yaris WRC2 car. In addition, it was planned to participate in some EC and WC asphalt rallies in Europe.

My team is aware of my situation. I have been promised that as long as I get back into driving condition, the agreed things will be implemented. The probabilities are on my side. However, if it happens that I can't continue racing despite the operation, then so be it. My primary goal is to get back to a normal life.

[Heikki Kovalainen]

Kovalainen's sole F1 Grand Prix victory came at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

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Kovalainen had 112 entries during his F1 career which saw him race for Renault, McLaren, Lotus and Caterham between 2007 and 2013. The Fin would claim his one and only victory in the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix with McLaren as he was joined on the podium by fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen.

His last race in Formula One came back in 2013 at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix. He bowed out with four podium finishes to his name before continuing his career in motorsport moving to race in the Japan Rally Championship.

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