A former Formula One driver has revealed he has been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and requires open-heart surgery.

The condition is asymptomatic and is usually diagnosed after undergoing an aortic aneurysm test using an ultrasound.

The ex-F1 driver, who once partnered seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton during the fledgling years of his career, has revealed that he has had to put his rally car season on hold and has been travelling to different countries to seek medical advice for the condition.

Speaking to Finish outlet Iltalehti, Heikki Kovalainen, 42, revealed that he had been diagnosed with the hereditary illness several months ago and will now undergo life-saving surgery.

‘At the end of last season, I decided to have a thorough physical examination at the doctor’s,’ the former Renault, McLaren and Lotus driver said.

A former McLaren Formula One driver has revealed he has been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and will undergo open-heart surgery

Heikki Kovalainen revealed that he will undergo life-saving surgery for the hereditary condition

The Finnish driver (left) raced alongside Lewis Hamilton during the fledgling years of his Mclaren career

‘The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then 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.’

The Finish race car driver had 112 entries during his Formula One career that spanned from 2007 to 2013.

During that time he won just once on the circuit, claiming victory at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, while finishing on the podium four times during his career.

He would partner up with Hamilton after both drivers moved to drive for McLaren during the 2008 season, helping the British driver become the ten-youngest Formula World Champion.

Kovalainen’s final race in Formula One came back in 2013 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but would continue to pursue a career in motorsport, moving to race in the Japan Rally Championship.

However, Kovalainen admitted his disappointment at putting his rally season on hold following his diagnosis, revealing he had plans to participate in several races across Europe with the new Yaris WRC2 car.

Kovalainen, 42, stated that the ‘probabilities were on his side’ and was aiming to get back to ‘living a normal life’

Kovalainen has been competing in rally car driving since finishing his Formula One career

The 42-year-old, admitted he was disappointed at having to put a hold on his rally car season

‘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,’ he said.

‘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.’

Kovalainen

‘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.’