McLaren has expanded its Driver Development Programme with two new female recruits, which will see a second car entered into F1 Academy next year.
The Woking-based squad has made a concerted effort to create further pathways in motorsport anf STEM-based careers with the two signings.
And joining its existing female prospect Ella Lloyd are two more ‘Ellas’ in the shape of Ella Stevens and Ella Hakkinen.
Stevens is the only woman to have won a race in British KZ2 Karting Championship, finishing as this year’s series vice-champion, and will line-up alongside Lloyd in its Rodin-backed F1A team in 2026.
Hakkinen, daughter of McLaren legend and two-time F1 World Champion Mika, has had a meteoric rise in motorsport, having claimed her first major international victory at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy karting series.
The move is not only a progressive one that continues a generalised push for further female inclusion in motorsport, but also emphasises a gutsy determination from McLaren to be the causes’ greatest forerunner.
In a statement, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown said: “While I recognise that more remains to be done to increase female representation in motorsport, I’m immensely proud of the progress we’ve made in this space.
“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.”
READ MORE – Oscar Piastri insists relationship with Lando Norris ‘better’ than ever despite F1 title battle
Discussion about this post