Robin Raikkonen, Kimi's 11-year-old son, signs with Red Bull Junior Program

Robin Raikkonen, the 11-year-old son of 2007 F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has signed with the Red Bull Junior Program and will officially join the team's driver development pathway from 2027.

The young Finn has already made a name for himself in karting, with results across national and international Rotax and WSK competitions. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies made clear the program's focus is on gradual development, not expectations tied to his surname.

Why it matters:

The Raikkonen name is back on the F1 radar more than two decades after Kimi made his grand prix debut with Sauber in 2001. Red Bull has a proven record of spotting talent early and guiding it to the top, having developed Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz. If Robin develops as expected, he could become the next chapter in that lineage — and a reminder of how early the F1 pipeline really starts.

The details:

• Robin has competed in karting from an early age, building a strong junior CV in Rotax and WSK events.
• He will become an official Red Bull Junior Team member from 2027, with the team promising time, support and resources.
• Mekies praised Robin's "speed, racecraft and natural talent" as well as his maturity and calm approach.
• Kimi said the family is "thrilled and excited" and called Red Bull's program "compelling and comprehensive."

The big picture:

Kimi Raikkonen's own career spanned 19 F1 seasons, with 21 wins, 103 podiums and the 2007 title with Ferrari. After leaving F1 in 2009, he returned in 2012 and eventually retired at the end of 2021. Now his son is taking the first official step toward the same path, with Red Bull providing the infrastructure.

What's next:

The immediate focus is on Robin's continued karting development. Red Bull has stressed there is no rush, and the real test will come in the junior single-seater ranks over the next several years. For now, the message from both the team and the Raikkonen family is clear: let the talent grow at its own pace.