Robin Raikkonen, son of former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has signed with Pink Bull at simply 11 years of age.
Pink Bull have secured probably the most coveted younger drivers within the sport, with Raikkonen set to affix the Pink Bull Junior Workforce and grow to be a part of the crew’s growth programme from 2027.
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Raikkonen has been a sensation in karting all through his childhood, with success following in nationwide and worldwide Rotax and WSK championships.
Robin will hope to comply with within the footsteps of his father, Kimi, who landed the 2007 title and might boast a large 21 Grand Prix victories and 103 podium finishes in 19 F1 seasons from 2001 to 2021.
“We’re all thrilled and excited that Robin has been chosen to additional his racing path as a member of the Pink Bull Junior Workforce,” Kimi Raikkonen mentioned. “Laurent and everybody else at Pink Bull have been extremely supportive all through all our discussions. They provide a compelling and complete programme to develop and nurture Robin’s progress over the approaching years and supply him with all of the expertise required to develop his pure expertise, which has amply been displayed in all his karting endeavours so far.
“Pink Bull’s Junior Workforce has had years of unbelievable success. Its alumni embody Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen amongst many others. It’s thus with nice humility that Robin joins this illustrious programme, and he’ll dedicate all his efforts to warrant the belief that Pink Bull is inserting in him.”
Robin Raikkonen sits within the (3) Oracle Pink Bull Racing RB22 Pink Bull Ford Powertrains within the storage previous to the F1 Grand Prix of Italy (Getty Photographs / Pink Bull Content material Pool)
Whereas crew principal Laurent Mekies added: “Robin has already demonstrated distinctive capability in karting. His velocity, racecraft and pure expertise have established him as probably the most promising younger drivers in his age group. On the identical time, he impresses together with his maturity, his calm strategy and his clear give attention to driving.
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“Our aim is to develop him step-by-step, with out inserting any pointless strain on his shoulders. The trail by motorsport is an extended one, and we’ll give him the time, help and sources he must maximise his potential. We strongly consider that expertise can thrive when supported by the suitable individuals, the suitable tradition and the suitable setting. That’s what we’re dedicated to offering Robin as he continues his growth. We’re very a lot wanting ahead to taking the following steps in his journey along with Robin and his household.”