[HIGHLIGHTS] He shone in Formula 1 alongside Hamilton, he retired and at the age of 42 he must undergo risky heart surgery

Heikki Kovalainen is a former Formula 1 driver and Grand Prix winner. The 42-year-old Finn has to undergo risky open-heart surgery.

Heikki suffered from a hereditary heart condition and has to have surgery. The Finn was a teammate of Lewis Hamilton at McLaren Mercedes and won his only race, at the Hungarian GP in 2008. In 2004 he achieved first place in the World Series with 192 points and six victories, as a driver for the Pons team.