A legendary name could soon join the Red Bull pathway. Robin Räikkönen, son of the 2007 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, is reportedly about to join the team’s junior program.
Read more Charles Leclerc reveals vision problems after his huge crash in Monza
The new generation of the Räikkönen family is getting a little closer to the world of Formula 1. Robin Räikkönen, son of Kimi Räikkönen, is expected to soon join the famous young driver program of Red Bull.
According to RacingNews365, the Austrian team is preparing to recruit the young Finn to support him in the early stages of his motorsport career.
At only 11 years old, Robin is still competing in karting and is obviously far from a potential move to single-seaters. But Red Bull’s interest shows that his performances and potential have already caught the attention of one of the most renowned programs in the paddock.
An official announcement is expected soon.
The Räikkönen family spotted at Red Bull in Monza
An important clue appeared during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
The Räikkönen family is present in Monza and was seen heading to the Red Bull motorhome.
This visit takes on a special significance as several key figures of the organization are also present at the Italian circuit, including co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya and Oliver Mintzlaff, head of corporate projects and new investments.
Everything indicates that an agreement is close between Red Bull and the Räikkönen clan.
For Robin, this would obviously not mean an immediate entry into categories directly linked to Formula 1. At his age, the goal is primarily to continue his learning in karting before considering, in several years, a move to single-seaters.
Kimi Räikkönen very involved in his son’s career
Since leaving Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, Kimi Räikkönen has largely distanced himself from the paddock’s hustle and bustle.
However, the 2007 world champion remains very involved in his son’s early competition career.
Over the past year, the Finn has regularly shared images of Robin karting on social media, showing his support during this initial phase of his journey.
His father’s experience is obviously a considerable asset. Kimi Räikkönen has one of the longest careers in Formula 1 history, with only Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton having competed in more Grands Prix.
World champion with Ferrari in 2007, the Finn also drove for Sauber, McLaren, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo during his long career.
Red Bull continues rebuilding its program
The anticipated arrival of Robin Räikkönen also comes at a time of profound renewal of Red Bull’s junior program.
For many years, it was led with a firm hand by Helmut Marko. The Austrian played a key role in the emergence of several drivers who later reached Formula 1, before leaving Red Bull at the end of the 2025 season.
Read more Kimi Antonelli reveals the moment he thought he lost the win at Monza: «It was quite scary»
The structure has since entered a new phase of its history.
In July, Red Bull announced the arrival of Gwen Lagrue as head of its young driver program. The Frenchman has solid experience in this field after spending ten years with Mercedes.
His recruitment confirms Red Bull’s desire to continue identifying talents very early who could one day join its Formula 1 ecosystem.
A program that has produced many F1 drivers
For more than two decades, the Red Bull junior program has been one of the main gateways to Formula 1.
Many drivers who have entered the top category have passed through this structure, several of whom are still present on the current grid.
Red Bull’s philosophy has always been to spot talents very young, finance and support their progression in lower categories, then quickly offer them an opportunity in Formula 1 when they demonstrate the expected level.
Robin Räikkönen is obviously only at the very beginning of this journey. His recruitment at only 11 years old would represent more of a long-term investment than a guarantee regarding his future.
The weight of his name will inevitably attract particular attention to his performances.
Another famous name heading to Formula 1?
Sons of former Formula 1 drivers regularly face considerable expectations when they start their own motorsport careers.
Robin Räikkönen will probably not escape this phenomenon. Carrying the name of a world champion and one of the most popular drivers of his generation will inevitably lead to many comparisons.
However, Red Bull seems ready to offer him a structured environment to continue his development without rushing the steps.
The team is also strengthening its organization in several areas. It recently announced the recruitment of Tom McCullough as head of competition from 2027, as part of its efforts to return to the top of Formula 1.
At only 11 years old, Robin Räikkönen still has a very long way to go before he can dream of Formula 1. But by preparing to join the Red Bull pathway, the son of “Iceman” could soon take a first symbolic step in the footsteps of his illustrious father.
Read more George Russell surprised by Mercedes’ decision that gave a decisive advantage to Antonelli