Max Verstappen has laughed off the prospect of one day being replaced at Red Bull by the son of 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Red Bull officially confirmed the signing of 11-year-old Robin Raikkonen into their junior programme this week, continuing a long tradition of nurturing young talent.
The Red Bull junior programme has produced some of the sport’s biggest names, delivering eight drivers’ championships and countless race victories over the years.
Verstappen revealed he had already met Robin and his family at the Italian Grand Prix the previous weekend, catching up with them before the race got underway.
“Yeah, I met them before the race on Sunday. They were sitting upstairs, so I had a quick chat with Kimi and with Robin,” Verstappen told the assembled media in Madrid.
He added: “It was good. When they were around I had a little chat and I knew that he was signed already. It’s good to see.”
Verstappen has long made clear he does not intend to race into his forties like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, preferring a shorter career at the top level.
His current Red Bull contract runs through 2030, meaning he is unlikely to still be racing by the time Robin Raikkonen reaches Formula 1’s top tier.
When journalists pointed this out to him, the four-time champion responded with his characteristic wit and playful humour.
“Yeah, who knows. Maybe, maybe not. I guess eventually they also need a seat for him in the team. So then, yeah, maybe I’ll move aside,” Verstappen said.
Robin Raikkonen has already shown considerable promise in karting, with success recorded in national and international Rotax and WSK championships at a young age.
Kimi Raikkonen himself expressed his delight at the news, referencing the famous names that have previously graduated from the Red Bull programme.
“We are all thrilled and excited that Robin has been chosen to further his racing path as a member of the Red Bull Junior Team,” the Finnish legend said.
Raikkonen praised the team’s approach throughout their discussions, singling out the support shown by those involved in making the deal happen.
“Laurent and everyone else at Red Bull have been incredibly supportive throughout all our discussions,” Raikkonen said, highlighting the thoroughness of the programme on offer.
He concluded with a respectful nod to the programme’s prestigious history, stating: “Red Bull’s Junior Team has had years of incredible success. Its alumni include Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen amongst many others. It is thus with great humility that Robin joins this illustrious programme.”