McLaren Expands F1 Academy Program, Signs Ella Häkkinen

McLaren Racing is significantly expanding its presence in the F1 Academy, adding a second car and bringing two new talents, Ella Stevens and Ella Häkkinen, into its Driver Development Programme. This move highlights McLaren's commitment to fostering female representation and talent in motorsport.

Why it matters:

• McLaren's expanded investment in the F1 Academy and its Driver Development Programme signals a robust commitment to increasing female participation in motorsport. This initiative is crucial for nurturing young female talent and providing a clearer pathway to top-tier racing, aligning with broader industry efforts to diversify the sport.

The details:

• McLaren Racing will now field two cars in the F1 Academy, with Ella Lloyd currently driving one. She will be joined by Ella Stevens in 2026, with the second McLaren-backed car operated by Rodin Motorsport.
• Ella Stevens: At 19, she is the only woman to have won in the KZ2 karting class in the United Kingdom and was the runner-up in the 2025 British KZ2 Karting Championship.
• Ella Häkkinen: The 14-year-old, daughter of two-time F1 champion Mika Häkkinen, is the youngest signing to McLaren's Driver Development Programme. She secured her first major international victory at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Cremona and will be testing single-seaters in preparation for 2027.
• McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasized the progress made in increasing female representation, stating that the sport is "open to all" and deeply committed to maintaining the momentum seen in recent years.
• NEOM is partnering with McLaren in this endeavor, helping to open more pathways for women in motorsport.

What's next:

With three talented young female drivers now in their Driver Development Programme, McLaren is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of female motorsport. The upcoming F1 Academy seasons will be crucial for these young talents to develop their skills and make their mark on the international stage, potentially inspiring a new generation of female racers.