P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren has expanded its Driver Development Programme with two new female recruits, which will see a second car entered into F1 Academy next year.
McLaren has expanded its Driver Development Programme by adding two new female recruits to compete in the F1 Academy with a second car next year.
The team aims to create more opportunities for women in motorsport and STEM-based careers, signing Ella Stevens and Ella Hakkinen to join Ella Lloyd.
Stevens, who won a race in the British KZ2 Karting Championship, will team up with Lloyd in McLaren’s F1A program backed by Rodin in 2026.
Hakkinen, daughter of McLaren legend Mika, has quickly risen in motorsport and clinched a major victory in the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy karting series.
McLaren’s move shows their commitment to promoting female inclusion in motorsport and leading the charge for change.
The CEO of McLaren, Zak Brown, expressed pride in increasing female representation and partnership with NEOM to open more pathways for women in the sport.
