Ella Hakkinen, daughter of champion Mika, to the McLaren development program

McLaren Signs Mika Häkkinen’s Daughter to its Development Program

McLaren intensifies its commitment to female talent by incorporating Ella Häkkinen, daughter of the two-time Formula 1 world champion, Mika Häkkinen, into its driver development program. At just 14 years old, Häkkinen’s experience in motorsport is limited to karting. However, his incorporation into the program prepares him for his debut in single-seaters in 2027. His father, Mika Häkkinen, who conquered the F1 drivers’ titles in 1998 and 1999, has always envisioned a promising career for his daughter in the world of motorsport.

From left to right: Ella Häkkinen, Ella Stevens and Ella Lloyd join McLaren’s driver development program.Häkkinen’s announcement was made on Monday along with Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, who will participate in the F1 Academy next season. McLaren will become the first F1 team to enter two cars in the series, with Lloyd already competing on the grid this year, while Stevens prepares for her debut after leading the inaugural rookie test.

“While I recognize that there is still much to be done to increase female representation in motorsport, I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in this space,” stated Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

“I hope this serves as a signal to all the talented kart racers, drivers, engineers, mechanics, marketing specialists, and accountants out there, that our sport is open to everyone and deeply committed to maintaining the incredible momentum we’ve seen in recent years.” McLaren secured their second consecutive F1 constructors’ crown this year, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are fighting for the drivers’ title.