Ella Lloyd on F1 Academy lessons, and 2026 Championship ambitions

Ella Lloyd joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme ahead of a 2025 campaign in which she ran a dual programme in F1 Academy and British Formula 4. It was a successful season for the young Welsh wonder, who made the switch to single-seater racing following standout accomplishments in showjumping and skiing.

An eye-catching Wild Card appearance during F1 Academy’s round in Singapore in 2024 alerted the world to Ella’s potential, and she hit the ground running in 2025. Fourth in the F1 Academy standings was her reward, with a maiden victory in Jeddah, a brilliant hat-trick of podiums in Montreal, and another rostrum result in Singapore offering a firm indication of Ella’s ability. There was more silverware in her partial British F4 title, as she climbed onto the podium at Zandvoort.

“I think my season was pretty successful,” Ella reflects. “We had lots of ups and downs, but overall it was pretty good with five podiums and a win. I was able to adapt to the series quite quickly, which I think comes from previously competing in showjumping and ski racing.

“The dual programme also really helped me to be able to get up to speed quite quickly, and to adapt to whatever conditions I had in front of me, whether it was wet, dry, windy, or even a little bit dusty.”

The highlight? Well, Ella can’t quite settle for just the singular standout moment.

“I've got two! I think Jeddah was a pretty nice one,” she says. “Winning from P2, I was pretty happy with how that race went. So my first win in F1 Academy, and then also Canada. Finishing P2 in all three races was an amazing achievement, especially as I didn't start every race from near the front - I needed to work my way up there. I enjoyed the track there in general, as it provided good overtaking opportunities, and good racing.”

There were, of course, plenty of lessons to be learned. A fierce competitor at heart, Ella concedes that “I think I try too hard sometimes”, but says she is learning to not only take the rough with the smooth, but to use her innate talent and instincts at critical moments.

“It's not a bad thing, but sometimes I just need to bring it back and relax, and to just let it come naturally,” says Ella. “For example, in Qualifying, I’ve previously thought ‘I’ve got to put it all in one lap’, and from there I am trying too hard. I would say that’s the biggest thing I’ve learnt – to take a step back and let it come naturally.”

Part of that approach has been instilled through words of wisdom and encouragement from close family members, many of whom have competitive backgrounds.

“My family has always been around sport,” Ella says. “My Dad used to rally, as did my brother and also my Mum. They’ve all really encouraged me and given me a lot of good inspiration to always do my best, but also to enjoy it.

“That’s the advice they’ve always given me: if I’m not enjoying it, I’m not going to perform at my best. So I always aim to go out and have fun. Obviously, I have a job to do, but enjoying it makes it easier.”

Ella continues to have the support of the McLaren Driver Development Programme for 2026, which is led by Alessandro Alunni Bravi, and that presence provides Ella with access to our specialised team, enabling her to extract the maximum from her ability both on- and off-track. Ella also recently returned to Formula E machinery, participating in March’s Rookie Test with Envision Racing at Madrid’s Jarama Circuit.

“The McLaren Driver Development Programme has played a massive part in my progress” Ella says. “It is thanks to McLaren and the Driver Development Programme that I am able to compete in F1 Academy. They’ve brought me these amazing opportunities.

“They’ve also helped me to become more comfortable with the media, provided me with time on the simulator, and helped massively with my fitness and conditioning, making sure that I am strong enough to drive the car.”

Ella’s performances and results through the 2025 season meant that remaining in F1 Academy, and staying with Rodin Motorsport, for 2026 was a natural evolution, while it has also been announced that she will again embark on a part-campaign in British F4 with Rodin, alongside her F1 Academy season. Ella is eager to apply the lessons and understanding gained from her rookie campaign.

“I was super excited to obviously hear the news that I'd be returning for my second season in F1 Academy with McLaren,” Ella says. “We had a successful first season, and we can now build on what we achieved together: more podiums, more wins,and fighting for the Championship. My aim is to win the Championship. I've worked very hard to do everything I can off track to make everything on track a little bit easier.”

The 2025 campaign means Ella has a year’s worth of knowledge banked on F1 Academy’s Tatuus F4-T421 chassis, the Pirelli tyres, as well as the majority of the circuits and the required approach, not to mention her team and engineering crew.

“One area to improve is just consistency in general,” she says. “Making sure that I finish every race in the points, even if we’re lower down in the order than we want to be – that will play a big part if I’m to have a successful season. That, combined with just trying to take a step back, as I mentioned earlier, and not trying too hard, I think, will help me perform better.

“I've learned a lot about myself, the car, and the team. Taking that into the year will play a big part.”

Seventh in F1 Academy’s season opener in Shanghai was followed up by a P5 finish in Race 2. Next up? A trio of races around the wall-lined Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, where Ella currently has a 100 per cent podium record.