McLaren supercharges girl power! Team expand drive to back female motorsport stars

 

McLaren Racing, working in partnership with F1 Academy and wider motorsport development bodies alongside its own McLaren Driver Development Programme. Have announced an expansion of commitment to supporting the next generation of female motorsport talent which includes increased backing for F1 Academy drivers. Confirmed this month, the announcement was made ahead of the 2026 Formula One (F1) season ensuring continuity and growth of McLaren’s female talent initiatives.

Strengthening diversity and inclusion in motorsport, ensuring women have clearer pathways to professional racing careers.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing stated: “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.”

Emphasising its responsibility to develop future talent and to align with F1’s broader commitment to F1 Academy in addition to female participation.

As part of the expansion to the McLaren Racing Driver Development Programme, current F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd will be joined by Ella Stevens and Ella Hakkinen.

Brown said: “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.”

Stevens, 19, will join Lloyd on the F1 Academy grid for 2026 in a second, McLaren Racing backed entry to the all female series. Both cars will be run and operated by Rodin Motorsport.

📸 Imagery courtesy of McLaren Racing