Ella Häkkinen was announced as the youngest member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme in November 2025.

Daughter of two-time Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion and McLaren legend Mika Häkkinen, Ella has been making a name for herself in European karting, with a first major international victory already under her belt. She won at the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy in Cremona and has achieved further wins and podium finishes across the continent.

The Finnish racer is also one of nine karters supported by F1 ACADEMY DISCOVER YOUR DRIVE in the Champions of the Future Academy Programme.

At only 14 years old, it was announced in November 2025 that Ella would be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme to test single seaters in preparation for 2027.