Häkkinen's daughter might have the potential to reach F1, according to Salo.
"Ella has been exceptionally fast, remarkably fast."
Mika Salo is of the opinion that Ella Hakkinen has made a "significant" leap towards a potential Formula 1 career following her signing with McLaren’s Driver Development Programme. He believes there is no reason she couldn't be the first woman in decades to compete in F1. McLaren has announced that it is broadening its F1 Academy presence for 2026 and has added the 14-year-old Hakkinen, daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, to its junior roster. She is set to begin testing in single-seaters with a view to a debut in 2027. Speaking to Iltalehti, former F1 driver Salo expressed his admiration for her speed in karting.
"Ella has been exceptionally fast, remarkably fast," stated the former Toyota and Ferrari driver. "She has been able to compete seriously against the boys. It was only a matter of time," Salo remarked regarding the McLaren agreement. He characterized the entry into a works academy as a crucial career move.
"Today, it’s quite challenging to advance without being involved in a team’s junior program. It’s nearly impossible," he stated. "Certainly, you can receive financial backing from that, but you also gain training support and, for instance, mental and physical coaching. In the leading teams, you can receive guidance on absolutely everything."
When asked directly if Hakkinen could eventually reach Formula 1, Salo was clear.
"If her speed is sufficient, why not?" he responded. "She can drive there just as well as the men. That’s not an issue, but Ella is a young girl, so she still has a considerable way to go before she can compete in F1."
Salo mentioned that joining McLaren provides her with the right foundation for that journey.
"Now we are on the correct path," he concluded.
Other articles
Pirelli has confirmed that two pit stops are planned for the Qatar Grand Prix.
Formula 1 | Pirelli has announced that it will enforce a stringent tyre-mileage limit at the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend, a decision that will make a two-stop race necessary (...)
Brown describes Verstappen as 'arrogant' as the decisive moment approaches.
Formula 1 | As the Las Vegas weekend approaches, there is a genuine chance that Max Verstappen could mathematically drop out of the world championship contention, and the focus is (…)
Racing Bulls unveiled their cars' livery for Vegas.
The Racing Bulls team and title partner Cash App revealed a new "holographic" livery for their cars at the Las Vegas Grand Prix...
Häkkinen's daughter might have the potential to reach F1, according to Salo.
Formula 1 | Mika Salo believes that Ella Hakkinen has made a noteworthy advancement toward a potential Formula 1 career after securing a position with McLaren's Driver (…)