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McLaren Signs 14-Year-Old Ella Häkkinen to Driver Development Program

The move formalizes a pathway from karting into formula racing for a young female prospect.

Overview

  • McLaren said the 14-year-old will join its driver development programme to test single-seaters in preparation for 2027.
  • The junior roster now comprises three female drivers: Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens, and Ella Häkkinen.
  • Lloyd and Stevens are confirmed for the 2026 F1 Academy, with two McLaren-backed entries supplied by Rodin Motorsport.
  • Häkkinen is the programme’s youngest driver and the daughter of two-time McLaren champion Mika Häkkinen, having taken a 2024 karting win in Cremona.
  • The team has not announced a race series for her, though it indicated F1 Academy could feature in her pathway, as CEO Zak Brown emphasized efforts to elevate women across the sport.