ELLA HÄKKINEN, ELLA LLOYD, ELLA STEVENS Lead McLaren’s F1 Academy Charge

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May 21, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • ELLA HÄKKINEN, 15, daughter of two-time F1 champion Mika, joined McLaren’s programme at 14. Competitive horse rider translates feel for animals to car dynamics while dad stays home due to emotional investment.
  • ELLA LLOYD, 20, earned F1 Academy Rookie of the Year after late start. Welsh driver’s show jumping and skiing background accelerated transition, securing first victory in Saudi Arabia representing Pontypridd proudly.
  • ELLA STEVENS, 19, won karting titles at same age as Hamilton, now adjusting to F1 Academy’s elevated stage. Started racing at six, sees progress with females driving F1 machinery as inspiring milestone.
  • LLOYD and STEVENS return to competition in Canada this weekend after Saudi Arabia race cancellation. All three Ellas benefit from McLaren Driver Development Programme’s guidance navigating male-dominated sport together.

UPCOMING:

  • F1 Academy Race 2 – Canada – May 24, 2026

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

GRRL! summary based upon reporting originally appearing on www.bbc.com