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Red Bull Signs Robin Raikkonen to Junior Programme

The 11-year-old will join the academy from 2027 under a step-by-step development plan inside Red Bull’s restructured junior setup.

Overview

  • Red Bull announced on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, that Robin Raikkonen has been added to its Junior Team and will begin work with the programme in 2027.
  • The club cited Robin’s success in national and international Rotax and WSK karting as the basis for the signing and praised his speed, racecraft and composure.
  • Team principal Laurent Mekies said Red Bull will follow a measured, long-term plan focused on gradual development rather than pushing the youngster into early single-seater competition.
  • Kimi Raikkonen said the family is “thrilled and excited” and praised Red Bull’s support in the discussions that led to the agreement.
  • The move comes as Red Bull reshapes its junior operation under new leadership and places Robin into a talent pipeline that previously produced drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.