Ella Hakkinen, daughter of Mika, joins McLaren: Promising future in F1

McLaren Signs Ella Hakkinen to its Driver Development Program

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

The announcement was made on Monday, along with the incorporation of Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens. Both drivers will compete in the F1 Academy next season. McLaren will become the first F1 team to enter two cars in the series. Lloyd is already participating 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.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

Brown added that he hopes this initiative will serve as an inspiration for all the talented women in karting, driving, engineering, mechanics, marketing, and accounting, demonstrating that the sport is open to everyone and committed to maintaining the incredible momentum of recent years. McLaren secured their second consecutive F1 constructors’ title this year, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are competing for the drivers’ title.