Robin Raikkonen joins Red Bull junior programme
The 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen is scheduled to enter Red Bull’s driver development programme in 2027.
Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has signed for Red Bull’s driver development programme and is due to join in 2027.
Known by the nickname “Ace”, Robin has impressed in karting championships. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the youngster had demonstrated speed, racecraft and natural talent, while also praising his maturity, calm approach and focus.
Kimi Raikkonen said the family was “thrilled and excited” by Robin’s selection for the Red Bull junior team. The programme is designed to develop drivers over time, with Mekies saying the team would support Robin without placing unnecessary pressure on him.
Red Bull’s development programme has produced Formula 1 drivers including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Its latest signing, however, remains at the early stage of a motorsport pathway, and entry to the junior programme does not guarantee progression to Formula 1.
Robin’s father won the 2007 world championship with Ferrari and recorded 21 wins and 103 podiums from 349 Formula 1 starts before retiring in 2021. Robin follows Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, into a Formula 1 driver development programme.
