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

McLaren Signs Mika Häkkinen’s Daughter to its Driver 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. With only 14 years old, Ella Häkkinen has experience in karting and is preparing to debut in single-seaters in 2027. Mika Häkkinen, F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, has always shown his support and belief in his daughter’s career in motorsport.

In the image: Ella Häkkinen, Ella Stevens, and Ella Lloyd join McLaren’s driver development program. McLaren announced the incorporation of Häkkinen 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.

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.