The Räikkönen Legacy Continues: Robin Claims First Karting Championship
26 October 2024 4 min read 3 images
Photo credit: Formula 1
Robin Räikkönen is Super Fast. At the Wohlen track, in Switzerland, a new Räikkönen stands on the top step of the podium.
Seeing him in the Formula 1 hospitality area in Monza, during the Italian Grand Prix, composed and serious. No one would have thought that this nine-year-old boy, well-protected by his beautiful mother, would one day transform into a daring kart driver. Then comes the hint: his mother is Finnish, and her name is Minttu. Standing just a bit farther away is another Finn, the well-known Kimi Räikkönen, the last driver to bring a World Championship title to Ferrari in 2007. "This is Robin, my son", says Kimi, introducing him. The obvious question follows: Is he interested in racing? "Of course, he has already started karting".
Not even two months later, we meet Kimi at the stunning Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart during the TCCT Forum. He's sitting in the Roarington Simulator, ready to give a demonstration of how to drive a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing at Spa-Francorchamps. "Will you stay for dinner tonight?" The answer is intriguing but slightly cryptic: "I have to go to Naples for Robin". Naples for Robin? Motorsport enthusiasts know that near Naples lies Sarno, home to a famous karting track. "Are you taking him to Sarno to try out that great track?" Kimi, with his trademark impassive look, replies, "No, we’re going to Sarno for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, where Robin is racing in the Micro Max category for kids aged 8 to 11.
Curiosity gets the best of us: We search for results. And there they are, complete with photos and a large trophy in hand: Robin Ace Matias Räikkönen, the very same, displaying not just talent but winning on a rain-slicked track. Remind you of anyone? Like father, like son, or at least it seems that way. Robin Ace Matias Räikkönen, son of Minttu and Kimi, has just won his first karting championship in the Swiss Rotax Max Challenge finals in the Micro Max category, reserved for children aged 7 to 10. In addition to the winner’s trophy, the most important prize is his qualification for the first race of the international karting championship, taking place this weekend, as you read this. A significant milestone for Robin’s budding career.
He's undoubtedly thrilled, while she might be a little worried. The loving Minttu, who followed Kimi’s last years as a driver, thought she could finally relax. But the name Räikkönen seems to carry something special, and Robin is proving it. Courage, Minttu!
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