Robin Raikkonen Joins Red Bull Driver Programme at 11

Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has signed with Red Bull and will enter its driver development programme in 2027. BBC Sport reported the agreement on Wednesday, identifying the young Finnish karter, nicknamed Ace, as the latest prospect recruited to the team's development structure.

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The programme has previously helped produce Formula 1 champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Both drivers have won the world championship four times, giving Red Bull's junior operation a record of advancing elite talent to the highest level of single-seater racing. Robin's signing, however, comes while he is still competing in karting rather than cars.

Robin's father won the 2007 Formula 1 championship for Ferrari and remains the Italian team's most recent drivers' champion. Kimi Raikkonen recorded 21 victories and 103 podium finishes across 349 Formula 1 starts before retiring from the series in 2021. He also raced in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR during his career.

According to BBC Sport, the 46-year-old Raikkonen said his family was delighted that Robin had been selected to continue his development with Red Bull. He described the organisation's programme as comprehensive and said it could provide the experience needed to help his son develop his natural ability over the coming years.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said Robin had already displayed notable ability in karting. Mekies pointed to the youngster's speed, racecraft and natural talent, while also highlighting his maturity, calm manner and concentration behind the wheel. He said Red Bull intends to guide Robin gradually, avoid unnecessary pressure and supply the time, support and resources required for his development.

The move also places Robin alongside another child of a Finnish Formula 1 champion in a leading team's development system. Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, joined McLaren's driver development programme in 2025. Robin's agreement with Red Bull is set to begin the following year, with no further competitive schedule detailed in the BBC report.