2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen’s 11-year-old son Robin joins Red Bull Junior Team from 2027

Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has joined the Red Bull Junior Team. The young Finnish driver will enter Red Bull’s driver development programme from 2027 as he continues his early career in motorsport.Robin has already made a name for himself in karting. He currently sits second in the Rotax Max Challenge Italia standings. Red Bull believes he has shown impressive speed, racecraft and maturity for his age. The academy will now work with him and his family to develop his talent without putting unnecessary pressure on his young shoulders.Robin Raikkonen set to join Red Bull Junior Team from 2027Red Bull Racing Team Principal Laurent Mekies welcomed Robin Raikkonen to the programme and praised the youngster’s ability in karting.“Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting. 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”, he said in a statement.“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”, he added.Notably, Robin has been involved in karting from a young age. His current second-place position in the Rotax Max Challenge Italia standings has further highlighted his potential.His arrival also adds another famous motorsport surname to Red Bull’s junior programme. The academy has produced some of Formula 1’s biggest stars, including four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and four-time champion Max Verstappen.Robin’s father, Kimi Raikkonen, has a strong connection with Formula 1. Known around the world as ‘The Iceman’, he competed in F1 from 2001 to 2021.The Finn raced for teams including McLaren, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. He won the 2007 F1 Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari. He also finished his career with 21 Grand Prix victories and 103 podium finishes.Kimi is now supporting his son’s journey into professional motorsport. He said the family is delighted with the opportunity.“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. Laurent and everyone else at Red Bull have been incredibly supportive throughout all our discussions. Red Bull’s Junior Team has had years of incredible success. Its alumni include Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen amongst many others”, Kimi Raikkonen said in a statement.For now, Robin’s focus will remain on karting and gradual development. Red Bull will aim to guide him through each stage of his career before any potential move towards single-seater racing and, eventually, Formula 1.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.