News Summary
- Robin Räikkönen will join the Red Bull Junior Team after impressing in national and international karting.
- Max Verstappen spoke to Robin and Kimi Räikkönen before the 2026 Italian GP.
- Verstappen joked that he may eventually have to surrender his Red Bull seat if the 11-year-old reaches F1.
Max Verstappen has welcomed Robin Räikkönen to the Red Bull Junior Team and joked that he may eventually need to surrender his Formula 1 seat if the 11-year-old completes the long journey to the championship.
Robin, the son of 2007 F1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, will enter Red Bull’s development programme after establishing himself as one of the most closely watched young drivers in European karting.
Verstappen revealed that he had already spoken privately with both father and son before the 2026 Italian GP at Monza. The four-time world champion also knew that Red Bull had completed the agreement before it became public.
“I met them before the race on Sunday. They were sitting upstairs, so I had a quick chat with Kimi and with Robin,” Verstappen said in comments reported by Motorsport Week.
“It was good. When they were around, I had a little chat and I knew that he was signed already. It’s good to see.”
Asked whether he could still be racing when Robin becomes old enough to reach F1, Verstappen left the possibility open before joking about his own position at Red Bull.
“Yeah, who knows? Maybe, maybe not,” he said. “I guess eventually they also need a seat for him in the team. So then, yeah, maybe I’ll move aside.”
Red Bull plans gradual development for Robin Räikkönen
Robin has already competed in national and international Rotax and WSK karting events. However, Red Bull has emphasised that its priority is to develop him gradually rather than immediately presenting his signing as the beginning of an inevitable path to F1.
Team principal Laurent Mekies praised the youngster’s speed and racecraft but placed equal importance on his temperament.
“Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting,” Mekies said. “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.”
Mekies added that Red Bull intends to give Robin sufficient time and resources to progress without creating unnecessary expectations around the Räikkönen surname.
“Our goal is to develop him step by step, without placing any unnecessary pressure on his shoulders,” he continued. “The path through motorsport is a long one, and we will give him the time, support and resources he needs to maximise his potential.”
Robin is still several years away from becoming eligible to compete in Formula 1. Under the current FIA rules, drivers must normally be at least 18 to receive a full Super Licence, although exceptional permission can be granted from the age of 17.
Kimi Räikkönen backs Red Bull pathway
Kimi Räikkönen said the family selected Red Bull because of the structure offered to young drivers and the programme’s history of preparing competitors for Formula 1.
The Finn competed in F1 between 2001 and 2021, winning 21 Grands Prix and the 2007 World Championship with Ferrari. He remains the Italian team’s most recent drivers’ champion.
“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,” Räikkönen said.
“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.”
Red Bull’s programme helped Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon reach F1. Its access to both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls also provides the organisation with two potential destinations for drivers who progress through the junior categories.
Verstappen’s reaction carries additional relevance because of his own karting background. The Dutchman recently returned to his roots by overtaking 100 rivals during a special event at Silverstone, completing the challenge in approximately 35 minutes.
Robin will continue his karting development before any decision is made about when he will move into single-seater competition. Formula 1 continues with the Azerbaijan GP in Baku from 25–27 September.
FAQ
When is the next Formula 1 race?
The next race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday, 26 September.
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix being held on Saturday?
The race was moved forward to avoid Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on Sunday, 27 September. Practice begins on Thursday, with qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix on Saturday.
Who leads the 2026 Formula 1 championship?
Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 292 points. Mercedes teammate George Russell is second on 211, leaving Antonelli 81 points ahead with nine rounds remaining.
Who is Robin Räikkönen?
Robin Räikkönen is the 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen. He currently competes in karting and has joined the Red Bull Junior Team.
