Former F1 star Heikki Kovalainen, 42, to undergo life-saving open-heart surgery

FORMER Formula One star Heikki Kovalainen has announced he will be undergoing life-changing surgery.

The 42-year-old has been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and needs to undergo open-heart surgery as a result.

GettyHeikki Kovalainen has announced he will be undergoing life-changing surgery[/caption]

Kovalainen, who now takes part in rally racing, has had to put his career on hold as a result.

Speaking to Finnish outlet Iltalehti, the racing icon 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 something like this was revealed.”

He added: “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.”

Kovalainen even explained he’s been travelling to different countries to try and get the help he needs for his condition.

The 42-year-old ended his F1 career in 2013 after stints racing for Renault, McLaren, Lotus and Caterham.

During his days with McLaren he was partnered with a young Lewis Hamilton and earned himself a first and only career win in the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix.

GettyKovalainen raced alongside Lewis Hamilton during his days with McLaren[/caption]

He has also raced for CaterhamEPA

Now Kovalainen competes in the World Rally Championships and has been forced to pull out on medical grounds despite his intention to defend the championship in Japan with the new Yaris WRC2 car.

The Finland-born racer has been told by doctors he can’t compete in strenuous activities until he has recovered from his operation.

But he seems to have made peace with the possibility that he may never return to the sport he loves should he be told it is unsafe to do so after his surgery.

He said: “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.”