Expert: Kimi Räikkönen Is Building His Son's Career in an 'Old-School Manner'

Formula 1 legend Kimi Räikkönen is reportedly taking a hands-on, "old-school" approach to nurturing his eldest son Robin's burgeoning karting career. The 11-year-old Robin, like his father, is considered a talented driver, and his journey in motorsport has garnered significant attention from the start.

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Kimi does things with Robin in the old-school way, as he perhaps did himself back in the day.

Jussi Kohtala, a prominent figure in Finnish karting and promoter of the Karting SM series, observes that Kimi's own successful career influences his involvement with his son's team. "Kimi does things with Robin in the old-school way, as he perhaps did himself back in the day," Kohtala stated. He commends Räikkönen for actively participating in his son's development, contrasting it with the trend of young drivers being managed by extensive entourages of media personnel and trainers.

Kohtala highlights that Kimi is deeply involved, serving as Robin's mechanic and mentor. Räikkönen reportedly has a clear vision for the racing categories his son competes in and manages the practical aspects of the sport. "Karting is a shared hobby for the Räikkönens. It's been great to see how Kimi acts as Robin's mechanic and ensures things are done correctly," Kohtala added. He believes Räikkönen is handling his son's career appropriately, prioritizing the core elements of driving and competition.

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It's been great to see how Kimi acts as Robin's mechanic and ensures things are done correctly.

Despite Robin's promising start, including a third-place finish in the Swiss Rotax Max Challenge micro class in 2023 and a Swiss championship win in 2024, Kohtala cautions against premature judgments about his future potential. "It's difficult to say at this stage if any of the young drivers are above the rest. Everyone has room for development early in their careers, so it's too soon to make a heavy analysis either way," he explained. Kohtala emphasizes that accumulating driving experience is currently the most crucial factor for the young racer.

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It's difficult to say at this stage if any of the young drivers are above the rest. Everyone has room for development early in their careers, so it's too soon to make a heavy analysis either way.