Ella Häkkinen joins McLaren’s driver development programme

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McLaren has unveiled a major step in its commitment to nurturing female talent in motorsport, announcing the addition of Ella Häkkinen, daughter of two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen, to its expanded driver development programme.

At just 14 years old, Häkkinen will be the youngest driver in the programme, yet her racing résumé already brims with promise.

Häkkinen made waves in 2024 with her first major international karting victory at the Champions of the Future Academy in Cremona, followed by a series of wins and podiums across Europe. She now joins McLaren with the aim of testing single-seaters in preparation for an entry into the category in 2027.

McLaren Doubles Down on Female Driver Development

Next season, McLaren will field two cars in the F1 Academy, a move that reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for female racers.

Existing F1 Academy charger Ella Lloyd, currently sitting third in the 2025 championship standings with one victory under her belt, will continue for a second year.

She will be joined by Ella Stevens, a new addition to McLaren’s driver development programme, who finished runner-up in the British KZ2 Karting Championship this year and topped the inaugural F1A rookie test. Stevens will take the step up to single-seaters for the first time in 2026.

Both McLaren F1 Academy entries will be run by Rodin Motorsport, with the second car operating under the F1 Academy McLaren Oxagon banner.

Zak Brown ‘proud of the progress we’ve made’

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasised the team’s commitment to promoting women in motorsport, saying:

“While I recognise that more remains to be done to increase female representation in motorsport, I’m immensely proud of the progress we have made in this space,” he said.

“I hope this signals to all the amazingly talented female karters, drivers, engineers, mechanics, marketeers and accountants out there that our sport is open to all and deeply committed to keeping up the incredible momentum we have seen over the past few years.

“There are so many opportunities both at and away from track and I want to thank NEOM for partnering with us in this space to help us open more pathways for women.

“To now have three talented young female drivers in our Driver Development Programme is really exciting, and I cannot wait to see them hit the track.”

With all 10 F1 teams renewing their multi-year commitment to F1 Academy and Cadillac joining as a sponsor in 2027, the series is set to grow further.

For Ella Häkkinen, joining McLaren’s driver development programme marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter – and with her family legacy and early successes, the paddock will be watching closely.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.