As Crash.net reports, the Red Bull junior driver roster has just added a very familiar surname to its ranks. Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has officially been signed to the Red Bull driver development programme, with a formal entry into the pool of junior drivers set for 2027.
Nicknamed 'Ace', the young Finn has already turned heads and made an impression in karting championships. That raw potential did not go unnoticed by Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who noted that the youngster has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting. The Frenchman added that his speed, racecraft, and natural talent have established him as one of the most promising young drivers in his age group, while also praising his maturity, calm approach, and clear focus on driving. Mekies emphasized that the team's goal is to develop him step by step without placing any unnecessary pressure on his shoulders, giving him the time, support, and resources needed to maximize his potential along the long path through motorsport.
I guess eventually they also need a seat for him in the team. So then, yeah, maybe I'll move aside.
Naturally, this future prospect caught the attention of the team's spearhead. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2030, light-heartedly suggested that the new arrival may be eyeing up his F1 seat before too long. Verstappen recalled meeting them before the race on Sunday at the Italian Grand Prix, mentioning they were sitting upstairs and that he had a quick chat with both Kimi and Robin, knowing then that the youngster was already signed.
When it was put to the 28-year-old Dutchman that he may not even be racing by the time Raikkonen potentially reaches Formula 1, he played along with the joke. "Yeah, who knows. Maybe, maybe not," Verstappen said. "I guess eventually they also need a seat for him in the team. So then, yeah, maybe I'll move aside."
Red Bull will now be hoping that the young Finn follows directly in the illustrious footsteps of his legendary father. Kimi Raikkonen amassed 21 wins and 103 podiums across 349 F1 starts before retiring in 2021.
