ELLA LLOYD & ALBA LARSEN Overcome Knockhill Setbacks for Challenge Cup Points

August 21, 2025

by RACERS // from www.racers-behindthehelmet.com

• ELLA LLOYD delivered exactly what we’ve come to expect from the McLaren junior—grit when it matters most. Despite getting caught up in multiple contact incidents across the weekend, she fought her way to two Challenge Cup podiums at Knockhill. Her incredible launch in Race 3, gaining five spots to P8 by Turn 1, showed the racecraft that has her sitting second in Challenge Cup standings with 218.5 points. Yeah, she got shuffled back after more contact, but that initial move was pure class.
• ALBA LARSEN’s weekend perfectly encapsulated the frustrating reality of being a development driver in a contact-heavy series. The Danish racer showed genuine pace in practice, running just four tenths off the leader, but racing luck wasn’t on her side. Getting collected by an out-of-control car in Race 2 was heartbreaking, especially when she’d been climbing through the field. Her salvage job to P15 in the final race, gaining three spots despite the chaos, proves she’s not backing down from anyone.
• Both drivers are juggling their British F4 campaigns with F1 Academy programs, and we’re seeing the benefits of that dual experience. Their racecraft in wheel-to-wheel combat has noticeably improved, with LLOYD’s defensive driving in that five-car scrap and LARSEN’s opportunistic moves during Safety Car periods showing real maturity. The fact they’re missing Donington for F1 Academy at Zandvoort isn’t ideal for championship momentum, but this is exactly the kind of high-level experience that pays dividends long-term.