Kimi Raikkonen's Son Ace Officially Joins Red Bull Junior Team

Robin 'Ace' Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of 2007 F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has officially joined the Red Bull Junior Team. Red Bull confirmed the move on Wednesday, with the young Finn set to link up with the programme from 2027.

Why it matters:

The signing marks a strategic shift for Red Bull, which is moving toward developing drivers from an earlier age. With Gwen Lagrue, the former Mercedes academy chief, set to lead the young driver programme, the team is prioritizing long-term growth over immediate results. Lagrue, who has not yet started, is known for identifying talent early.

The details:

• Raikkonen is currently second in the Rotax Max Challenge Italia standings, and would be the runaway leader if not for the four weakest results being dropped.
• Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies was the driving force behind the signing, with Lagrue's impending arrival also a factor.
• Mekies praised Raikkonen's "exceptional ability" and "maturity," while vowing to give him time and support "without any unnecessary pressure."
• This approach contrasts with the Helmut Marko era, where instant results were often expected, though that strategy produced champions like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

What's next:

Raikkonen will continue his karting career with Red Bull backing, while Lagrue is expected to take over as head of the young driver programme. The long-term goal is to guide the 11-year-old through the junior categories and, potentially, into F1.