(Motorsport-Total.com) – The name Räikkönen returns to Formula 1 – or at least to the extended environment of the premier class. Robin Räikkönen, son of Kimi Räikkönen, has signed with the Red Bull junior team, which in the past has already brought drivers like Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel into the premier class.
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The just eleven-year-old Räikkönen is described by Red Bull as “one of the most promising young talents of his generation” and will join the program in 2027. Currently, he competes in karting.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies explains: “Robin has already demonstrated exceptional skills in karting. His speed, racing skills, and natural talent have made him one of the most promising young drivers in his age group.”
“At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, calm demeanor, and clear focus on driving,” says Mekies, who emphasizes: “Our goal is to support him step by step without putting unnecessary pressure on him.”
“The path in motorsport is long, and we will provide him with the time, support, and resources he needs to fully realize his potential. We firmly believe that talent can flourish when supported by the right people, the right culture, and the right environment,” Mekies explains.
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Robin’s father Kimi adds: “Laurent and everyone else at Red Bull have been incredibly supportive throughout our entire discussions. They offer a convincing and comprehensive program to promote Robin’s development in the coming years and provide him with all the experiences he needs to further develop his natural talent.”
Rumors about signing Räikkönen had already surfaced at the past Formula 1 weekend in Monza. Although he is only eleven years old, it is not completely unusual to sign such a young driver. The current world championship leader Kimi Antonelli once joined the Mercedes junior team at a similar age.
Robin’s father Kimi never drove for Red Bull in his Formula 1 career, but among others for Lotus, McLaren, and twice for Ferrari. With the Scuderia, he became world champion in 2007, making him to this day the last driver world champion from Maranello.
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