A Welsh teenager, Ella Lloyd from Pontypridd, has made headlines by becoming the newest member of the McLaren F1 team. Following her recent participation in F1 Academy racing in Singapore as a wild card, 19-year-old Ella has been selected to join the prestigious McLaren Driver Development programme.
Despite starting her racing career in 2022, Ella’s talent and potential have secured her a spot to represent McLaren in the F1 Academy 2025 season. The F1 Academy, established by Formula 1 to encourage young girls to pursue motorsport, is gaining popularity and will feature in a Netflix docuseries next year. Ella began racing single-seater cars this year and achieved four podium finishes, leading to her inclusion in the F1 Academy races in Singapore, where she performed impressively.
In an interview with WalesOnline before her races in Singapore, Ella shared her journey into motorsport, explaining her initial surprise to friends and family due to her background in show jumping and skiing. She discovered her love for racing, citing her passion for speed and the adrenaline rush it provides. Leaving college to focus on racing full-time, Ella dedicates herself to training and simulation to excel on tracks worldwide.
With ambitions to succeed in the male-dominated motorsport industry, Ella expressed her excitement about joining McLaren. Acknowledging McLaren’s history of developing talent, Ella looks forward to pushing boundaries and making her mark in motorsport. McLaren’s Director of F1 Business Operations, Stephanie Carlin, praised Ella’s talent and potential, highlighting her outstanding performance as a Wild Card entry in Singapore.
Ella’s move to McLaren marks a significant milestone in her racing career as she prepares to compete in the full F1 Academy championship. With a strong determination to succeed, Ella’s journey in motorsport continues to inspire young female drivers and pave the way for a promising future in racing.