Max Verstappen believes Robin Räikkönen’s approach to racing already bears similarities to his own childhood development after the 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen joined the Red Bull Junior Team. The four-time world champion particularly likes the fact that the young Finn competes in different types of machinery rather than focusing too narrowly on one form of karting.
Robin’s move to Red Bull was officially announced last week and naturally attracted considerable attention, not least because of the famous name he carries. The young Finn will join a driver development programme that has produced several Formula 1 drivers and world champions, with Verstappen himself perhaps its most prominent success story.
Robin Räikkönen joins the Red Bull Junior Team
The signing of Robin Räikkönen to Red Bull’s junior programme from 2027 quickly became one of the most talked-about development stories in the paddock. While any expectations must be kept in perspective given that he is only 11 years old, his surname inevitably attracts interest from fans who followed Kimi Räikkönen’s long Formula 1 career.
During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Madrid, Max Verstappen was asked by Dutch broadcaster Viaplay for his assessment of the youngster, who considers the Red Bull driver one of his idols.
“Give him some advice? I think he already gets very good advice from his father,” Verstappen joked. The Dutchman raced against Kimi Räikkönen in Formula 1 between 2015 and 2021, covering the beginning of Verstappen’s career and the final years of the Finn’s time in the championship.
“I spoke briefly with them before the Monza race as well, because they were there. It’s nice to see him; I knew he was about to sign the contract. Of course, for a young boy it’s fantastic to sign with a Formula 1 team, but ultimately what really matters is performance.”
“You have to focus on what is in front of you in karting. I’m sure he and Kimi talk about that a lot, so it’s not something I need to worry about.”
Why Robin Räikkönen reminds Verstappen of his own childhood
What has particularly impressed Verstappen is the way the Räikkönen family is approaching Robin’s development. Rather than concentrating solely on one specific format, the youngster is gaining experience across different types of racing.
“They are very focused on performance and on making sure that he keeps learning and improving,” Verstappen continued.
“I also like the fact that he takes part in different types of races. It doesn’t matter what the machinery is, Kimi puts him in it and he does his job. It’s nice to see because it reminds me a little bit of how I grew up: I raced anything, it didn’t matter what it was.”
For Verstappen, that variety can play an important role in developing a driver’s fundamental skills.
“I think it’s essential for your development and for car control in general. It’s a really good thing. And it’s great that he’s part of the Red Bull family; obviously I hope he continues to grow and improve year after year.”
Kimi Räikkönen has also welcomed the opportunity for his son, with the former Ferrari world champion backing Red Bull’s development plan for Robin.
Could Verstappen one day race against Robin Räikkönen?
The age difference naturally makes the possibility of Verstappen and Robin Räikkönen eventually sharing a Formula 1 grid a distant prospect. Nevertheless, the subject had already produced a light-hearted exchange during the traditional drivers’ press conference at the start of the Madrid weekend.
Asked whether he might still be racing by the time Robin reached Formula 1, Verstappen joked: “Will I still be on the grid to race against Robin? Who knows, maybe yes, maybe no.”
“I suppose eventually they’ll need a seat for him in the team, so maybe that’s when I’ll decide.”
For now, Formula 1 remains a distant target for the 11-year-old. Verstappen’s message is instead to concentrate on karting, keep learning and take advantage of the guidance already available from a father who knows exactly what is required to reach the highest level of motorsport.
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