Red Bull Racing adds next-generation Räikkönen to its academy

Red Bull Racing has signed Robin Räikkönen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, to its junior team. The karting prospect will officially join the driver development programme from 2027.

Robin, who races under the nickname ‘Ace’, has competed in Rotax and WSK karting competitions. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said he “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,” said Mekies. “At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, his calm approach and his clear focus on driving.”

Family legacy

Kimi Räikkönen retired from Formula 1 in 2021 after a final three seasons with Alfa Romeo. The Finn is the most recent Ferrari driver to win the World Drivers’ Championship, taking the 2007 title by one point ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Over 19 seasons with Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus and Alfa Romeo he won 21 grands prix and recorded 103 podium finishes.

“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,” Kimi said in a press release. “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 pedigree

Red Bull’s driver programme, launched in 2001, has produced four-time champions Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Seven of the 23 drivers on the 2026 grid graduated to F1 via the junior team.

The current Red Bull lineup is composed of Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad drive for Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team. Former graduates include Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, who both came through the programme, and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who spent multiple years with AlphaTauri and a 12-race stint with Red Bull in 2019. Yuki Tsunoda, another graduate, is currently with Racing Bulls, while other academy products include Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat.