McLaren 'Immensely Proud' of Progress in Female Driver Development Program

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has expressed immense pride in the team's advancements in increasing female representation in motorsport, highlighted by recent significant additions to their driver development program.

Why it matters:

McLaren's commitment to nurturing female talent is a crucial step in diversifying motorsport and creating new pathways for women. This initiative not only strengthens their driver pipeline but also sets a precedent for other teams, signaling a broader industry shift towards inclusivity. By signing young female drivers and integrating them into F1 Academy, McLaren is actively working to break down barriers and foster a more equitable future in racing.

The Details:

• New Signings: McLaren has announced the addition of Ella Stevens and Ella Hakkinen to its driver development program. Ella Hakkinen is the daughter of two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, who secured both his titles with McLaren in 1998 and 1999.
• F1 Academy Participation: Ella Lloyd, already part of the program, will continue racing in F1 Academy in 2026. Ella Stevens, 19, is also set to join the all-woman F1 support series grid next year, competing with a machine operated by Rodin Motorsport. Her entry will be known as McLaren Oxagon, a collaboration with long-term partner NEOM.
• Future Plans for Hakkinen: The 14-year-old Ella Hakkinen is preparing for her transition to single-seaters, with a comprehensive testing program scheduled for 2027.
• Zak Brown's Statement: Brown emphasized his pride in the progress made, while acknowledging that more work is needed. He stated, "I hope this signals to all the amazingly talented female karters, drivers, engineers, mechanics, marketeers and accountants out there that our sport is open to all and deeply committed to keeping up the incredible momentum we have seen over the past few years."
• NEOM Partnership: Brown thanked NEOM for their partnership, highlighting their role in helping open more pathways for women in motorsport, both on and off the track.

What's next:

With three talented young female drivers now in their development program, McLaren is poised to see their investment in diversity bear fruit on the track. The upcoming F1 Academy seasons will be a crucial testing ground for Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, while Ella Hakkinen's 2027 testing program will be a key milestone. These efforts could inspire a new generation of female racers and professionals, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and competitive motorsport landscape.