Red Bull Signed Robin Raikkonen to Junior Program
The 11-year-old karting talent will join the Red Bull development pipeline in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Motorsports
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Red Bull has signed 11-year-old Robin Raikkonen, the son of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, to its driver development programme. The young talent, who demonstrated exceptional ability in karting, is slated to join the team's junior driver pool in 2027.
Why it matters
The signing represents a long-term investment by the team into its future racing pipeline. Red Bull plans to cultivate the young driver through a step-by-step development process as he progresses through the karting ranks.
Kimi Raikkonen retired with a career total of 21 wins and 103 podiums from 349 F1 starts. His son is currently 11 years old and expected to join the development programme in 2027.
The players
Robin Raikkonen
He is an 11-year-old karting driver who is the son of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Kimi Raikkonen
He is a retired Formula 1 champion who recorded 21 wins and 103 podiums during his 349 career starts.
Max Verstappen
He is a 28-year-old Formula 1 champion currently signed to the Red Bull team through the 2030 season.
The details
Red Bull recruits and develops potential talent through its driver development programme to prepare athletes for future professional racing opportunities. The team intends to oversee the growth of Robin Raikkonen as he gains experience in high-level karting competition.
Timeline
Kimi Raikkonen retired from F1 in 2021.
Max Verstappen met Kimi and Robin Raikkonen in September 2026.
Robin Raikkonen will join the junior driver pool in 2027.
Max Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2030.
Season Trajectory
This development follows the precedent set by the Red Bull Junior Team development program in identifying young talent early. The move signals a long-term strategy for the team to sustain its competitive edge beyond the current contract of Max Verstappen.
The signing establishes a clear pathway for the young driver to enter the team's official junior pipeline starting in 2027. It provides a long-term look at the organization's roster planning, which currently extends through Max Verstappen's contract expiration in 2030.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the intense focus modern Formula 1 teams place on scouting and securing young talent in the earliest stages of their careers. Fans should anticipate tracking the young driver's progression through various karting categories as he prepares for his official entry into the junior program.
Further reading
Explore more young talent development in Motorsports.
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