Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In an exciting move, McLaren has enrolled 14-year-old Ella Hakkinen, the daughter of Finnish racing legend Mika Hakkinen, into its Driver Development Program. Joining her are British drivers Ella Stevens and Ella Lloyd, both a part of the all-female F1 Academy series this season. This initiative means McLaren now supports three promising young female drivers moving into the next season.
Ella Hakkinen, already recognized for her remarkable achievements in European karting, made a noteworthy appearance at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Italy, securing numerous victories and podiums. Her inclusion makes her the youngest member of the McLaren program, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward single-seater racing.
Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula One world champion with McLaren, expressed great pride in his daughter's new role, hinting at her potential to be the first female driver in F1 since Lella Lombardi in 1976. He stated, "Ella is an immensely talented racer. This is not just a father’s pride speaking, but a reflection of my experience as a top driver,” in a recent interview with Finnish media.
The announcement confirms that Hakkinen is set to begin testing single-seater cars in anticipation of the 2027 racing season. This aligns with McLaren's overarching mission to foster young talent and elevate women in motorsport.
Ella Stevens, aged 19, has already made history as the first woman to claim victory in Britain's top karting class. She will join forces with McLaren for the F1 Academy, running a second car alongside Lloyd in partnership with Rodin Motorsport. This setup provides vital competitive racing experience for aspiring female drivers, preparing them for higher tiers of motorsport.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, emphasized the importance of increasing female participation in motorsport, stating, "While we still have a long way to go, I am very proud of the advancements we've made in this area.” He expressed excitement about the contributions of these young female drivers to the sport and looks forward to their performance on the racetrack.
The induction of Ella Hakkinen and her peers showcases McLaren’s commitment to identifying and fostering talent from an early stage. The program gives these drivers access to elite training and coaching, equipping them with the necessary tools for success in Formula One and other top racing circuits.
Thanks to McLaren’s backing, these aspiring racers will immerse themselves in single-seaters and a competitive racing environment, laying the groundwork for a bright future in Formula One. This initiative also highlights McLaren’s dedication to promoting diversity and opening doors for women in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.
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