The Hakkinen racing dynasty is poised for a thrilling new chapter as Ella Hakkinen, the 14-year-old daughter of Formula One legend Mika Hakkinen, has been signed to McLaren's esteemed driver development programme.
Following in Her Father's Footsteps
Ella steps into the very team where her father achieved his greatest successes, with the two-time world champion securing back-to-back titles with McLaren in 1998 and 1999. The Finnish racing icon, now 57, amassed 20 Grand Prix victories before retiring in 2008. Speaking to Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat recently, the proud father offered a professional assessment of his daughter's abilities, stating: 'Ella is an extremely talented racing driver. I'm not just saying this as a father, but based on my observations as a former top driver.'
A Promising Karting Career
The young Finnish driver brings an impressive karting record to Woking, having secured numerous race wins across Europe. Her talent was unmistakably confirmed when she claimed her first major international victory at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Cremona. This achievement was further recognised by her selection as one of only nine entries supported by F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in both the COTFA and the Champions of the Future Academy UAE Series this year.
McLaren's Commitment to Female Talent
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed his enthusiasm for Ella's signing, highlighting its significance in the broader context of female representation in motorsport. '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,' Brown stated. He continued, '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.'
Brown also acknowledged partner NEOM for their support in opening more pathways for women in racing. He revealed the programme now boasts three talented young female drivers, expressing his excitement to see them on track. In a charming coincidence, Ella Hakkinen joins the programme alongside two other drivers named Ella – British prospects Ella Stevens (19) and Ella Lloyd (20), who are set to represent McLaren in the all-female F1 Academy series in 2026.
McLaren's driver development programme has a storied history of nurturing world-class talent, with graduates including Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Ella Hakkinen now begins her journey on this prestigious path, carrying not only her family name but also the hopes for a new generation of female racing talent.
