David Coulthard, former Formula 1 driver, has shared his impression of Robin Raikkonen’s potential, son of Kimi Raikkonen, highlighting that his approach to developing in racing is similar to that of his former teammate Max Verstappen. Robin, aged just 11, has recently been added to the Red Bull young driver program, with the aim of starting to work with the team in 2027.
This announcement comes at a time when several former Red Bull drivers, such as Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, have managed to become world champions. Coulthard emphasized that Kimi is taking a very active role in training his son, similar to the one that Jos Verstappen had in Max’s journey to Formula 1.
In a recent appearance on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard commented on how the Raikkonen family has moved to Italy to be closer to the karting track, allowing Robin to train daily. “They have fully committed. It will be important to see how he develops in the future,” he stated.
Coulthard also pointed out that although kart racing is a good start, it does not always translate to success in single-seaters. “What matters is whether he can adapt to the shift in vehicle dynamics, as karts are very different from cars with suspension and aerodynamics,” he added.
Finally, reflecting on Robin’s personality, Coulthard observed that despite his victories in kart races, the real challenge will come with age. “Puberty can change how young people compete. Only time will tell if he will maintain his determination and talent as he grows,” he concluded.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
