Max Verstappen has reacted to Robin Raikkonnen, son of 2007 System 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, becoming a member of the Crimson Bull Younger Driver Programme.
11 yr previous Raikkonen has joined the programme, setting in movement a an eventual aim to hitch the F1 fraternity in round a decade’s time.
Raikkonen has carried out effectively in karting and attracted Crimson Bull, as he seeks to emulate his iconic father Kimi, who raced in F1 in a number of stints between 2001 and 2021, taking the 2007 championship alongside the way in which.
Verstappen has given his response, revealing he had a non-public dialog with each father and son forward of the race in Monza.
“I met them earlier than the race on Sunday [the Italian Grand Prix]. They have been sitting upstairs, so I had a fast chat with Kimi and with Robin,” he stated.
”It was good. After they have been round I had somewhat chat and I knew that he was signed already. It’s good to see.”
Verstappen jokingly implied that he should be racing when or if younger Raikkonen makes his debut: “Yeah, who is aware of. Perhaps, possibly not.
“I suppose finally in addition they want a seat for him within the workforce. So then, yeah, possibly I’ll transfer apart.”
Crimson Bull maintaining a tally of Robin Raikkonen
Crimson Bull workforce principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the rationale behind the signing, stating that he had “already demonstrated distinctive means in karting”.
“His velocity, racecraft and pure expertise have established him as some of the promising younger drivers in his age group,” the Frenchman added.
“On the similar time, he impresses together with his maturity, his calm method and his clear give attention to driving.
“Our aim is to develop him step-by-step, with out putting any pointless strain on his shoulders.
“The trail via motorsport is a protracted one and we are going to give him the time, assist and sources he must maximise his potential.”
One other son of a world champion can be welcomed onto the F1 grid, with Raikkonen proving that he has the velocity in addition to the pedigree.