At only 11 years old, Robin Räikkönen could take a new step towards Formula 1. Several academies are already being considered and an announcement could come before the end of the year.
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Could the Räikkönen name one day return to a Formula 1 grid? It is obviously far too early to say, but Robin Räikkönen, Kimi’s son, is continuing his karting training and could soon join the young driver program of an F1 team.
Only 11 years old, the young Finn has already shown some talent behind the wheel. His entourage is now working on the next step in his progression, as confirmed by Gino Rosato, his godfather and longtime close friend of the Räikkönen family.
A former member of Ferrari for nearly three decades and now a consultant for Red Bull, the Italian assures that several possibilities are currently under consideration.
Several academies already considered
Asked by Ilta-Sanomat in Zandvoort about a possible integration of Robin Räikkönen into a young driver academy, Rosato did not try to evade the question.
“Of course. These are things we are working on,” he confirmed. “We are currently evaluating different options.”
Is one path leading to Ferrari, the team with which his father won the world title in 2007? Rosato prefers to keep the suspense.
“It’s a surprise,” he joked.
A decision could nevertheless be announced soon.
“With a bit of luck, we will announce big news on this subject this year.”
The choice would obviously be symbolic if Robin joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. But his entourage assures that his father’s reputation will not be the main criterion.
“Doing what is best for the child, not for the name”
Carrying the Räikkönen name can naturally facilitate some contacts in the motorsport world. Rosato is perfectly aware of this but insists on the need to build Robin’s career based on his own qualities.
“We have to do what is best for the child, not what is best for the name.”
“The name opens doors. We have to make sure those doors stay open by integrating him into the right program and surrounding him with the right people.”
The goal is therefore not to rush his rise simply because he is the son of a world champion.
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Kimi Räikkönen himself would maintain a particularly pragmatic approach regarding his son’s career.
Kimi Räikkönen refuses to push his son at all costs
Rosato assures that the 2007 world champion has no intention of becoming one of those parents convinced at all costs that their child is destined to become a superstar.
“Kimi is very realistic. He will not be the crazy parent claiming his son is the next Senna.”
And if Robin were to lose his passion for competition or if his performances no longer justified the necessary sacrifices, his father would not try to push him artificially.
“If, at some point, Kimi sees that Ace loses interest or that things are not going well, I don’t think he will continue down this path.”
For now, however, nothing seems to indicate any weariness. Quite the opposite.
“He is quiet… and fast”
Rosato already sees some striking similarities between Robin and his famous father, especially in his temperament.
“He is quiet, really quiet. And fast,” he sums up.
But the young driver’s passion would have come mostly naturally.
“From morning to night, it’s all he thinks about. Kimi didn’t put that in his head.”
If his performances continue to improve, Robin should follow the classic path of young drivers aiming for Formula 1.
“First the academy, then gradually climbing the ranks. F4, F3, F2, and Formula 1, like everyone else.”
At only 11 years old, Robin Räikkönen is obviously still very far from F1 and no trajectory can be guaranteed at this age. But the upcoming integration into an academy would already be an important step.
And if Rosato keeps his promise, the first big choice of Kimi Räikkönen’s son’s young career could be revealed even before the end of the year.
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