McLaren confirm F1 ACADEMY line-up and sign Ella Hakkinen

McLaren has significantly boosted its commitment to nurturing female talent in motorsport. The team announced it will field a second car in the F1 ACADEMY series for the 2026 season, with Ella Lloyd returning alongside new recruit Ella Stevens. Lloyd, currently third in the 2025 standings, will be joined by Stevens, a Vice-Champion in British KZ2 Karting. Both entries will be operated by Rodin Motorsport in collaboration with NEOM. Furthermore, Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen, has joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme. The 14-year-old karting talent becomes the youngest member of their junior roster, preparing for single-seater racing in 2027. This move underscores McLaren’s dedication to increasing female representation across all levels of motorsport.