Welsh teenager Ella Lloyd has made headlines as the newest member of the prestigious McLaren F1 team. At just 19 years old, Ella, hailing from Pontypridd, will be part of the McLaren Driver Development programme, marking a significant milestone in her racing career.
After her commendable performance as a wild card entry in the F1 Academy racing event in Singapore last month, Ella has secured a spot with McLaren for the upcoming F1 Academy 2025 season. Her journey in motorsport began in 2022, and despite her relatively short time in the sport, she has already achieved four podium finishes.
Ella’s success has not gone unnoticed, as she caught the attention of the F1 Academy, an all-female championship initiated by Formula 1 to encourage young girls to enter the sport. The championship aims to support young female drivers in advancing to higher levels of motorsport and has gained popularity, set to be featured in a forthcoming docuseries on Netflix.
Reflecting on her introduction to racing, Ella shared that her interest in cars and motorbikes, coupled with her family background in rallying, sparked her passion for the sport. Transitioning from activities like show jumping and skiing, Ella found her calling in racing due to the exhilaration of speed and the thrill of competition.
For Ella, racing has become a full-time commitment, prompting her to shift her focus from college to pursuing her racing career. Her dedication is evident in her rigorous training routine, including frequent visits to the gym to maintain fitness levels suitable for driving high-performance formula cars.
Looking ahead, Ella is determined to make her mark in the male-dominated realm of motorsport and aspires to compete in the full F1 Academy championship. Expressing her excitement about joining McLaren, Ella expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to develop her skills with a team renowned for nurturing talent in the racing world.
Stephanie Carlin, Director of F1 Business Operations at McLaren Racing, acknowledged Ella’s potential and talent, highlighting her impressive performance in Singapore and expressing excitement about Ella’s future endeavors with the team. The announcement of Ella’s collaboration with McLaren signifies a significant step forward for female representation in motorsport.
As Ella embarks on this new chapter with McLaren, her journey will take her to tracks around the globe, where she will continue to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries as a female driver in the competitive world of motorsport. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young racers and underscores the importance of opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.