McLaren signs up Ella Lloyd for F1 Academy and Driver programme

McLaren Racing has announced the addition of rising star Ella Lloyd to their Driver Development program, with the talented 19-year-old set to compete for the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season with Rodin Motorsport.

Lloyd's racing career has taken off quickly since she first hit the track in 2022. That year, she made her competitive debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship, scoring points in 15 of 25 races. In 2023, she stepped up to the Ginetta GT Championship, where she capped off a stellar season as runner-up.

This year has seen Lloyd continue to impress. She competed in the Formula Winter Series, taking home multiple Female Driver Trophies. She also made waves in British F4, securing three P2 finishes, a P3, and several points finishes over the season.

Finally, she showcased her skills at the Singapore F1 Academy weekend as a Wild Card driver, scoring points in both races.

With F1 Academy regulations allowing a maximum of two years in the series, Lloyd is set to replace Bianca Bustamante as McLaren’s representative in the all-female junior series, racing with Rodin Motorsport.

• Read also: McLaren signs Brando Badoer to Driver Development programme

Her inclusion in McLaren's Driver Development programme will also see her take part in Formula E’s inaugural Women’s Test for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team on November 7, 2024, in Valencia.

Stephanie Carlin, McLaren Racing’s director of F1 business operations who leads the company’s Driver Development programme, expressed her enthusiasm for Lloyd's future.

“Ella has great talent and potential and has already cemented herself in the series, performing brilliantly as the Wild Card entry in Singapore, so we’re excited to see what she can do with us,” she said. “We look forward to supporting her development.”

Lloyd herself is obviously thrilled to join team papaya.

“It’s an honor to drive for a team that has such a great racing history and also a long track record for developing talent,e she said.

“With McLaren, I now have everything I need to keep developing and pushing the boundaries as a female in motorsport. Thank you to Zak Brown, Stephanie Carlin, and the entire McLaren team for their faith in me. I can’t wait to get racing in papaya.”

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