Ella Lloyd: Racing to Empower Women in Motorsport

From Skis to Speed: Ella Lloyd's Journey

At just 19, Ella Lloyd has made impressive strides in the competitive world of motorsport, joining the prestigious McLaren F1 Academy for the upcoming 2025 season. As an avid athlete with backgrounds in skiing and show jumping, she emphasizes that racing is about talent and prowess, irrespective of gender. "We are all driving the same car on the same track. It is who wins at the end of the day," she says confidently.

Breaking Stereotypes

Ella aims to challenge the stereotypes surrounding women in Formula 1. Despite her accomplishments, she acknowledges that perceptions vary among her male counterparts. "I have been competing against males this whole year in F4 and it's been pretty positive...there's no reason we cannot be as good or even better," she reflects. Her involvement in the McLaren program, which features an all-female grid, is aimed not only at driving but also encouraging women to explore roles in engineering and management within motorsport.

The Power of Representation

With a forthcoming Netflix series produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, Hello Sunshine, she believes visibility is key. "There aren’t that many females at a high level, but F1 Academy is creating representation," Ella explains. Seeing women compete at F1 events could profoundly influence young girls, making motorsport more accessible.

Family Support and Traditions

Ella credits her family for her success, revealing her mother’s routine of plaiting her hair before races—a tradition she cherishes. Her father, a Paralympic skier who faced life-altering challenges after a car accident, remains her greatest supporter despite his worries about her safety. "My family are always there with me...I can't thank them enough," she says, emphasizing the importance of their encouragement along her journey.

The Future of Women in Motorsports

Looking ahead, Ella sees her goal of reaching Formula 1 as not just a personal ambition but as a chance to inspire many others. She hopes that her presence in this male-dominated sport will pave the way for future generations of women, making motorsport an inclusive environment for all. "It would be pretty amazing to get that high and inspire more women to get into motorsports," she concludes with passionate aspirations.

Ready to Race

With intense training schedules and a determined mindset, Ella is prepared for the challenge that awaits her in the 2025 F1 Academy season. Each race serves as a stepping stone, bringing her closer to her ultimate dream of competing in Formula 1, setting an example for aspiring drivers everywhere.