Former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen retired at the end of the 2021 season, but that doesn’t mean the famous Finnish name won’t make a return to the pinnacle of motorsport in the future.
It’s early days but Kimi‘s son, Robin Raikkonen, has already shown plenty of interest and has been spotted karting under the watchful guidance of his dad.
Robin Ace Raikkonen is seven years old and was born on January 27, 2015 to Kimi and his wife Minttu.
It’s reported that Kimi gave Robin his first taste of go-karting when he was just four years old and that he has since driven round tracks in Switzerland, Italy and Finland.
In a joint Instagram post in September of 2022, the Raikkonens revealed Robin had taken part in his first race as he held aloft a trophy for a podium finish.
“First race of many!” Minttu wrote. “Mom and Dad are more than proud of you Ace!”
Antonio Giovinazzi, Kimi‘s teammate during his second stint at Alfa Romeo, commented: “Bravooo Robin!”
Others were quick to predict a future in the sport his dad became world champion of in 2007, while Sky Sports F1 reporter Natalie Pinkham called Robin a “little legend.”
Robin Raikkonen was a regular feature in the paddock while his dad was still competing and was at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Grix for the final race of Kimi‘s illustrious career.
The next father-son duo to compete in F1?
Should Robin Raikkonen follow in his dad’s footsteps and forge a career in F1, the Raikkonens would add their name to the list of father-son duos who have reached the pinnacle of motorsport.
The list includes Michael and Mick Schumacher, Keke and Nico Rosberg, Graham and Damon Hill, and Jos and Max Verstappen, among others.
Going even further still, if Robin were to become an F1 world champion like his dad, the Raikkonens would join an even-more exclusive club. Watch this space…
