Bottas supporter verifies backing for Ella Hakkinen.

      Mika recently came to see me to inquire if it would be feasible for me to assist.

      The billionaire who played a key role in launching Valtteri Bottas’ career has confirmed that he is also supporting Ella Hakkinen, reinforcing that the 14-year-old McLaren junior has substantial backing for her advancement. Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, 85, told Iltalehti that he agreed earlier this year to support the daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen. "Mika recently visited me to ask if I could help," Aarnio-Wihuri stated. "We agreed that we should also support female drivers. Mika has previously assisted me, so this is a way of returning the favor." Aarnio-Wihuri is the owner of Wihuri Group, one of Finland’s largest family-owned businesses, which is a well-known name in the F1 paddock. He mentioned that the initial funding was a "fairly modest amount," considering Hakkinen is still at the beginning of her career, but pointed out that he only sponsors a very small number of drivers. The Finnish businessman mentioned that he receives over 50 funding requests each year from "future world champions," but chooses only a select few. Ella Hakkinen has competed in karting under Czech and Monaco licenses, reflecting her family heritage, although Aarnio-Wihuri noted that she also speaks Finnish and showcases the Finnish flag on her social media. Her recent activities took place in the Champions Karting Academy series with a Czech license.