Although Kimi Raikkonen retired from Formula 1 in 2021, the legacy continues through his son, Robin Ace Raikkonen, who is already making waves in karting and aspires to follow the path of the sport’s top driver, Max Verstappen. At just 10 years old, Robin Ace is establishing himself in motorsport with determination and skill, aiming to emulate Verstappen’s success as a reigning four-time world champion.
In September 2024, Robin Ace secured a milestone victory by winning the Swiss RMC karting championship in the Min Max category, finishing the season with a podium in the final round held in Wohlen. This achievement highlights his rapid progress in the early stages of his racing career, suggesting a promising future ahead.
Insights from Robin Ace Raikkonen’s Godfather on His Drive and Influences
Gino Rosato, Robin Ace’s godfather and a former senior mechanic at Ferrari, has played a significant role in his development. Rosato held a vital position at Ferrari for nearly 30 years, contributing to the team‘s dominant era that resulted in five consecutive championships with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title. He also worked with Sebastian Vettel and was instrumental in recruiting Charles Leclerc to Ferrari.
Having observed Robin Ace’s talents firsthand, Rosato expressed confidence in the young driver’s potential to reach Formula 1 levels. Speaking on the Pitstop podcast, Rosato highlighted Robin’s fearless style and aspirations:
“It’s pretty cool to see the similarities with Kimi, that love for just speed, speed, speed. The kid is incredibly quick. They have no fear of anything. The kid’s idea is to become the next Verstappen,” —Gino Rosato, former Ferrari senior mechanic
Rosato also commented on the grounded perspective held by Kimi Raikkonen and his wife regarding their son’s racing career:
“Kimi doesn’t make nothing of it. If he goes quick when he goes to F1, good. If he doesn’t, well, he doesn’t. They are not these crazy parents headed off and (saying), ‘Oh my god, I got the next Senna in my hands.’ All of that together, if it continues on the right track… he has the best coach on the planet. (He’s) grounded, with the Raikkonen genes. Let’s see what happens, but I’m convinced that we’re going to F1.” —Gino Rosato, former Ferrari senior mechanic
In September last year during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, Robin Ace had the opportunity to meet Max Verstappen, his racing idol. Gino Rosato shared a photograph of the occasion featuring the Raikkonen family and the Red Bull champion.
Kimi Raikkonen Emphasizes Enjoyment as Key Priority for Son’s Career
When interviewed at Monza, Kimi Raikkonen spoke honestly about his son Robin Ace’s ambitions and approach to racing. Reflecting his father’s famously pragmatic outlook, the 21-time Grand Prix winner said when asked about Robin’s future in Formula 1:
“Ah, he’s enjoying. Everything is going nicely. We’ll see. If something comes or not, who knows? But he’s having fun – that’s the main thing.” —Kimi Raikkonen, former F1 World Champion
Robin Ace is potentially the next young driver fueled by a family legacy in F1, much like Max Verstappen, who debuted in Formula 1 in 2015 and rapidly climbed to become a dominant force. With his godfather’s mentorship, the grounded support from his parents, and his own pace and passion, Robin Ace Raikkonen is on a promising trajectory toward joining the sport’s elite ranks.
