She says, “I’m really excited to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme as the team’s F1 Academy driver in 2025. It’s an honour to drive for a team that has such a great racing history, and also a long track record for developing talent.
Lloyd began her competitive career in 2022, racing in the Ginetta Junior Championship, finishing in the points for fifteen of the twenty-five races that season. In 2023, racing in the Ginetta G5 Challenge, Lloyd achieved ten wins and 17 podium finishes – attainting Vice Champion overall.
Earlier in the year, Lloyd competed in the Formula Winter Series, winning the female driver trophy thrice. She was also called up to compete in the F1 Academy race in Singapore as the wild card driver, finishing within the points in both races. In addition, she raced for JHR Developments in the 2024 British F4.
The Welsh 19-year-old is also set to drive for NEOM McLaren Formula E Team alongside Bianca Bustamante for the first ever women’s test. Pre-season testing is to take place on November 7th in Valencia, Spain, ahead of the launch of season 11 in early December.
Ian James, Team Principal for NEOM McLaren Formula E Team commented, “I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport.”
Lloyd comes from a sporting background, having competed in multiple sports such as skiing and showjumping. Her father, Chris Lloyd, also competed in the 2018 Paralympics in downhill skiing.
On the topic of her entrance into the McLaren Driver Development programme, Lloyd says, “With McLaren, I now have everything I need to keep developing and pushing the boundaries as a female in motorsport. Thank you to Zak Brown, Stephanie Cartin, and the entire McLaren team for their faith in me. I can’t wait to get racing in papaya.”
