Ella Hakkinen, daughter of Mika, joins McLaren in development program

Ella Hakkinen Joins McLaren’s Development Program

McLaren intensifies its commitment to female talent with the addition of Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, to its driver development program. At 14 years old, Hakkinen has experience in karting and is preparing for his debut in single-seaters in 2027. Her father, Mika Hakkinen, who won the F1 drivers’ titles in 1998 and 1999, has always envisioned a promising career for his daughter in motorsport.

Hakkinen’s announcement was made alongside 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. Lloyd is already competing on this year’s grid, while Stevens is preparing for her debut after leading the inaugural rookie test.

“Although 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 area,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

McLaren secured their second consecutive F1 constructors’ title this year, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri competing for the drivers’ title.