McLaren Welcomes Three Promising Young Female Drivers

Post by : Mara Rahim

The esteemed Formula One team McLaren has taken a significant step by welcoming 14-year-old Ella Hakkinen, the daughter of renowned Finnish two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, into its Driver Development Programme. Joining her are British racers Ella Stevens and Ella Lloyd, both of whom bring fresh talent to the team, with Lloyd currently competing in the all-female F1 Academy series.

Having showcased remarkable skill in karting across Europe, Ella Hakkinen has made a name for herself with impressive performances, including decisive victories at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Italy. At just 14, Hakkinen is set to become the youngest driver part of McLaren’s cohort, marking a pivotal point in her ambitions to break into single-seater racing.

Proud father Mika Hakkinen commented on his daughter’s accomplishments, hinting that she might become the first female driver in Formula One since Lella Lombardi in 1976. “Ella is truly an extraordinary racing talent. This is not just a parent’s pride, but a perspective molded from my own experiences as a top-tier driver,” he shared with Finnish outlets.

According to McLaren, Hakkinen is slated to begin testing single-seater cars as part of her preparation for the 2027 racing season, reflecting the team's commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing female representation in motorsport.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ella Stevens has made history by becoming the first woman to win a race in Britain’s leading karting division. She will be competing in the F1 Academy, with McLaren fielding a second car in partnership with Rodin Motorsport to support her and Lloyd in their racing journeys. This program aims to equip these young talents with essential experience in a competitive arena, paving their way to elevated levels in motorsport.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, emphasized the significance of fostering female involvement in motorsports. “While the journey toward greater female representation is ongoing, I take pride in our achievements so far. The excitement generated by having three talented young women in our development programme is palpable, and I look forward to witnessing their progress on the racetrack,” he remarked.

The entry of Ella Hakkinen and her fellow young drivers underlines McLaren’s dedication to identifying and cultivating talent from an early stage. The programme offers these racers access to premier training, coaching, and essential resources, empowering them to hone the skills necessary for success in Formula One or other esteemed racing competitions.

Through McLaren’s supportive atmosphere, these aspiring drivers will gain critical experience in single-seater cars and competitive racing scenarios, laying the groundwork for future endeavors in the world of Formula One. The initiative reinforces McLaren's commitment to promoting diversity and opening doors for women in a field that has long been male-dominated.