Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, will join Red Bull’s driver development programme in 2027 after attracting attention with his performances in karting.
Known by the nickname “Ace”, the young Finn has emerged as one of the notable prospects in his age group and will now enter the same development system that has helped produce several Formula 1 drivers.
Red Bull’s junior structure has played a major role in bringing talent through the motorsport ranks, with four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen among the most successful drivers associated with the programme.
Robin’s move also continues a strong family connection to elite motorsport. His father Kimi remains Ferrari’s most recent Formula 1 world champion, having secured the title in 2007.
Across a long F1 career that ended in 2021, Raikkonen recorded 21 race victories and 103 podium finishes from 349 starts. He also competed outside Formula 1, including appearances in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR.
Kimi Raikkonen welcomed Red Bull’s decision, saying the programme provides a structured environment in which his son can continue developing over the coming years. The focus will be on building experience gradually while giving Robin access to the support required to progress through the junior categories.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said Robin’s karting results had already highlighted his speed and racing ability. The team has also been encouraged by his composure and approach away from the track.
Red Bull intends to manage his development carefully rather than accelerate his progress too quickly, with the long-term programme designed to give him time to improve before potentially moving into higher levels of single-seater racing.
Robin becomes another child of a former Finnish Formula 1 champion to enter a major team’s development system. Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, joined McLaren’s driver development programme last year.