According to two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen, it’s only a matter of time before Formula 1 is conquered by female drivers. The Finn claims that the junior classes are already brimming with female talent. He also sees potential in his 14-year-old daughter Ella as a future Formula 1 driver. By 2030, the premier class could well consist of a new generation of racing talents – including women competing for the prizes.
During the Singapore GP, Mika Häkkinen was once again spotted in the paddock. The Finnish Ilta-Sanomat spoke to their ‘Flying Finn’ and asked him about his daughter Ella, who is active in the Champions of the Future karting series. During the Slovakian stage of this competition, the teenager secured pole position and eventually crossed the finish line in second place. “Ella is an extremely talented driver,” said a proud Häkkinen. “I’m not just saying this as a father, but also as a former top driver – I see it with my own eyes.”
‘She’s a badass‘
“Things are really moving in the right direction,” he continued enthusiastically. “Her motivation is almost incomprehensible. She just wants to be a driver. At the moment, she’s a real badass,” he joked. Häkkinen has hired a full-time trainer from Hintsa Performance – the same group that once guided Lewis Hamilton. This way, Ella and her younger brother Daniel are being physically and mentally prepared for the top of motorsport. “They train at the same level as Hamilton,” Häkkinen assured. “We leave nothing to chance.”
The 57-year-old former driver emphasized that Ella is not the only one aiming for Formula 1. He expects that many more women will move up to the premier class within five years. “Female drivers will reach the highest level by 2030 – whether it’s Ella or someone else,” he predicted. “The new generation of fans is forty percent women, and the sport needs to reflect that.”
