Ella Stevens joins McLaren program, set to make F1 Academy debut in 2026

After topping the times in the F1 Academy Rookie Test, British karting star Ella Stevens is set to make her single seater debut in the all-female series, joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme in the Rodin Motorsprt's operated line up in 2026.

Photo credits: McLaren

Ella Stevens is the latest driver to join the McLaren Driver Development Programme and will race in the F1 Academy McLaren Oxagon operated by Rodin Motorsport as part of their 2026 season lineup, which will see a second McLaren-liveried car added to the grid.

Marking her debut in single seaters, the Brit is set to join the team after excelling in her karting career, which saw Stevens taking the title of Double English KZ2 Champion and British BireIART Cadet Champion. Most recently, Stevens was second overall in the 2025 British KZ2 Karting Championship.

Earlier this year, Ella participated in the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain, where she topped the overall timesheets, making an impressive first appearance on track and establishing herself as one to watch amongst the rookie grid.

“Moving from karts to F1 Academy is a big step up for me, but I’m ready to give it everything", Stevens commented. "Setting the fastest lap at the Navarra Rookie test, despite my limited experience, gives me confidence heading into my first year in single-seaters.”

“Ella joins us as a rookie with enormous potential", Rodin Motorsport's Sporting Director Benn Huntingford added. "We’re excited to support her first year in F1 Academy and help unlock the performance we know she’s capable of.”