Robin Raikkonen, Kimi’s son, joins Red Bull Junior Team
Robin Räikkönen, son of former Formula One champion Kimi Räikkönen, has joined the Red Bull Junior Team.
The eleven-year-old Finn will be a part of the Red Bull driver development programme from next year onwards. Robin is already an active karting member and has achieved success internationally and domestically at the Rotax and WSK championships.
Kimi Räikkönen, who won the 2007 F1 championship with Ferrari, has been a part of the Red Bull setup, having raced for the Red Bull-sponsored Citroën C4 WRC at the World Rally Championship in 2010.
On his son joining Red Bull, Kimi Räikkönen, said:
“We are all thrilled and excited that Robin has been chosen to further his racing path as a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. Laurent and everyone else at Red Bull have been incredibly supportive throughout all our discussions. They offer a compelling and comprehensive programme to develop and nurture Robin’s progress over the coming years and provide him with all the experience required to develop his natural talent, which has amply been displayed in all his karting endeavours to date.
“Red Bull’s Junior Team has had years of incredible success. Its alumni include Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen amongst many others. It is thus with great humility that Robin joins this illustrious programme, and he will dedicate all his efforts to warrant the trust that Red Bull is placing in him.”
Laurent Mekies, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, commented:
“Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting. His speed, racecraft and natural talent have established him as one of the most promising young drivers in his age group. At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, his calm approach and his clear focus on driving.
“Our goal is to develop him step by step, without placing any unnecessary pressure on his shoulders. The path through motorsport is a long one, and we will give him the time, support and resources he needs to maximise his potential. We strongly believe that talent can thrive when supported by the right people, the right culture and the right environment. That is what we are committed to providing Robin as he continues his development. We are very much looking forward to taking the next steps in his journey together with Robin and his family.”
