Ella Hakkinen, daughter of Mika, to McLaren F1 development program

Ella Hakkinen Joins McLaren Driver Development Programme

McLaren intensifies its commitment to female talent by incorporating Ella Hakkinen, daughter of the two-time Formula 1 world champion, Mika Hakkinen, into 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, F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, has always envisioned a promising career for his daughter in motorsport.

Hakkinen’s announcement, along with Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, who will participate in next season’s F1 Academy, marks a milestone. McLaren becomes the first F1 team to enter two cars in the series. Lloyd already competes on the current grid, while Stevens prepares 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: “I hope this serves as a signal to all the talented kart racers, drivers, engineers, mechanics, marketers, and accountants that our sport is open to everyone and deeply committed to maintaining the incredible momentum we have seen in 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.