Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, is set to join Red Bull’s prestigious driver development programme in 2027. The youngster, who was born to Kimi and his wife Minttu in 2015, has already made a significant impression in various karting championships.
Known by the nickname ‘Ace’, Robin is following in the footsteps of other notable children of Finnish racing legends, such as Ella Hakkinen—the daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen—who joined the McLaren development setup last year. Red Bull’s junior programme has a storied history of nurturing elite talent, having previously produced four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
Kimi Raikkonen, 46, expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating, “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.” He added that the team provides a comprehensive environment to nurture his son’s progress and supply the necessary experience to help develop his natural talent.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the young driver’s early performance, noting that Robin has “already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting.” Mekies highlighted the youngster’s speed, racecraft, and natural aptitude, which have marked him as a standout talent within his age group. “At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, his calm approach and his clear focus on driving,” Mekies said.
The team emphasized a measured approach to his development, with Mekies stating, “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.”
Robin’s father, famously nicknamed ‘Iceman’, remains the last Ferrari driver to secure a world championship title, achieving the feat in 2007. During his illustrious F1 career, which concluded in 2021, the elder Raikkonen recorded 21 race victories and 103 podium finishes across 349 Grand Prix starts, while also competing in Nascar and the World Rally Championship. The report also notes that minttu Raikkonen (left) gave birth to Robin (second left) in 2015.
