Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi, has joined Red Bull Racing’s driver development programme.
Robin is currently racing in go-karts -- the first step towards single seater race cars -- and has already achieved success in national and international Rotax and WSK championships.
The Raikkonen family has shared regular posts of his progress through karting via Instagram, from his very early days in junior go-karts to his participation in championship events.
“Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting,” Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said.
“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.”
Red Bull’s young driver programme has been one of the most successful in the paddock, paving the way for four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to enter the sport.
The team recently announced that it had signed Mercedes’ talent scout Gwen Lagrue to head up the programme from the start of next year, which is also when Raikkonen will join.
The programme benefits from having two teams on the grid in Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, allowing drivers to make their F1 debut with the junior team before stepping up to the senior team.
“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,” Kimi Raikkonen said. “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.
“Red Bull’s Junior Team has had years of incredible success. Its alumni include Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen amongst many others. It is thus with great humility that Robin joins this illustrious programme, and he will dedicate all his efforts to warrant the trust that Red Bull is placing in him.”
Aside from the drivers currently racing for Red Bull’s two teams on the grid, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly all arrived in F1 through Red Bull’s junior programme.
