- Eleven-year-old Robin Räikkönen, son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, will join Red Bull’s driver development programme next year.
- Robin has already demonstrated his potential with success in national and international karting championships despite remaining several years away from single-seater racing.
- Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says the team will take a patient approach to Robin’s development, providing the support and resources needed without placing unnecessary pressure on him.
The next generation of Räikkönen is a step closer to a Formula 1 future, with the son of 2007 world champion Kimi set to join the Red Bull driver development programme next year.
Eleven-year-old Robin Räikkönen is the latest junior prodigy to join the esteemed Red Bull ranks, which have produced world champions in Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
While still years away from being able to contest single-seater races, the young Finn has already enjoyed success in karting at national level as well as in international championships.
Former Ferrari F1 racer and Robin’s father, Kimi, said in the announcement: “We are all thrilled and excited that Robin has been chosen to further his racing path as a member of the Red Bull junior team.
“Laurent and everyone else at Red Bull have been incredibly supportive throughout all our discussions.
“They offer a compelling and comprehensive programme to develop and nurture Robin’s progress over the coming years and provide him with all the experience required to develop his natural talent, which has amply been displayed in all his karting endeavours to date.”
He added that Robin joins Red Bull’s prestigious programme with “great humility” and that he’ll “dedicate all his efforts to warrant the trust that Red Bull is placing in him”.
Red Bull team principal and CEO Laurent Mekies remarked: “Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting.”
“His speed, racecraft and natural talent have established him as one of the most promising young drivers in his age group. At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, his calm approach and his clear focus on driving.
“Our goal is to develop him step-by-step, without placing any unnecessary pressure on his shoulders.
“The path through motorsport is a long one, and we will give him the time, support and resources he needs to maximise his potential.
“We strongly believe that talent can thrive when supported by the right people, the right culture and the right environment. That is what we are committed to providing Robin as he continues his development.
“We are very much looking forward to taking the next steps in his journey together with Robin and his family.”
