Mika Hakkinen, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion, has recently drawn attention to the promising future of his eldest daughter, Ella Hakkinen, born in 2010. In an interview with Ilta-Sanomat, the Finnish driver expressed his firm belief that Ella possesses “extraordinary” qualities that could allow her to aim for the very top of motorsport. If she succeeds, it would mark a historic milestone for women in Formula 1, as no woman has competed in the championship since Giovanna Amati in 1992.
The daughter of Hakkinen compared to Lewis Hamilton
During his interview with Ilta-Sanomat, Mika Hakkinen did not hide his pride and admiration when speaking about his daughter’s natural talent and commitment on the karting track. “Ella stands out as a very talented driver, and I say this not only as a father but also as a former Formula 1 champion,” said Hakkinen. “She is following the right path and her determination is truly impressive. She wants to become a professional, and at this stage of her career, she already shows remarkable grit. Her dedication to training is comparable to that of Lewis Hamilton; nothing is left to chance.”
According to Hakkinen, Ella’s approach to competition reflects not just passion but also a professional mindset. She is fully committed to improving her technique, understanding vehicle dynamics, and learning how to handle pressure—skills essential for anyone dreaming of reaching the top tier of motorsport. Observers in the Finnish karting scene have also noted that her racing style is mature beyond her years, with a strong sense of control and precision on track.
More women are joining motorsport
As Mika Hakkinen pointed out, the number of women showing interest in motorsport has been growing rapidly in recent years. Initiatives such as the FIA’s F1 Academy have played a crucial role in opening doors for young female talents from around the world. Thanks to these programs, many girls now see Formula 1 not as a distant dream but as a realistic goal they can pursue with dedication and hard work.
“I am sure that by 2030, young girls will have raised their level even further, whether it is Ella or others,” continued Hakkinen. “Today, around 40% of Formula 1 fans are women, and I believe the sport will increasingly reflect this transformation.”
Indeed, recent years have seen a surge of female drivers making their mark in junior categories. Names such as Abbi Pulling, Léna Bühler, and Marta García—who became the first F1 Academy champion—have become symbols of a new generation of women determined to break the final barriers of motorsport. Their progress, along with Ella Hakkinen’s steady rise, suggests that Formula 1 may soon witness the long-awaited return of a female driver on the grid.
Mika Hakkinen’s optimism is shared by many within the racing community, who view Ella’s journey as a source of inspiration. The former McLaren star knows better than anyone what it takes to succeed in Formula 1, having faced fierce competition during his career against drivers like Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard. His belief in Ella’s abilities therefore carries considerable weight. If her development continues at this pace, she could very well become a leading figure for women in motorsport in the coming decade.
In the meantime, Ella continues to race in various karting championships across Europe, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Her progress is being closely followed by both Finnish media and international motorsport enthusiasts who are eager to see if she can climb through the ranks to reach Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately Formula 1. Should that happen, it would not only fulfill the dream of one family but also symbolize a broader evolution in Formula 1—a sport increasingly embracing diversity and inclusivity, both on and off the track.
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