ELLA HÄKKINEN Joins McLaren Development Programme at 14

November 18, 2025

• At just 14, ELLA HÄKKINEN becomes McLaren’s youngest development driver after securing her first major international victory at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Cremona. The daughter of two-time F1 champion Mika Häkkinen has built her own reputation across European karting with multiple wins and podiums, currently sitting fourth in the OK-N Senior category. She’ll begin single-seater testing in 2026 with an eye toward her formula debut in 2027.
• McLaren’s doubling down on female talent with an expanded F1 Academy commitment, fielding two McLaren-liveried cars starting in 2026. ELLA LLOYD returns for her second season after proving herself worthy of continued investment, while karting standout ELLA STEVENS steps into the second seat. This expansion shows McLaren putting serious resources behind women’s progression rather than just offering token support.
• CEO Zak Brown’s acknowledging there’s still work to be done while celebrating McLaren’s current momentum in female representation. With three young women now in their development programme, they’re creating a pipeline that goes beyond one-off opportunities. The team’s commitment spans the full spectrum from karting through F1 Academy to potential formula debuts, giving these drivers the long-term support structure they need to succeed.

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