Overview
- McLaren adds 14-year-old Ella Häkkinen to its Driver Development Programme, with single-seater testing scheduled in 2026 in preparation for 2027.
- British karting standout Ella Stevens joins the programme and will make her single-seater debut in F1 Academy in 2026.
- McLaren will field two F1 Academy entries next year, both operated by Rodin Motorsport, with the second car running as McLaren Oxagon in collaboration with NEOM.
- Incumbent Ella Lloyd remains in the programme and is confirmed for a second F1 Academy season in 2026 after a race-winning 2025 campaign.
- The expansion coincides with series-level steps, including renewed multi-year commitments from all 10 F1 teams, Cadillac’s planned 2027 sponsorship, and an eligibility change allowing certain drivers a third season from 2027.