Ahead of her second outing in Formula E machinery at the Berlin Rookie Test, Ella Lloyd sat down with Pit Debrief and reflected on her rapid rise through the racing ranks, her journey with McLaren, and how the opportunity to represent the McLaren Formula E Team marks another milestone in her still-young career.
At just 19, Lloyd is contesting her first full season in F1 Academy with McLaren while continuing to compete in British F4 and contributing to simulator work with the team at their Woking base. Despite only beginning her racing journey in 2022, she’s already secured race wins, multiple podiums, and the backing of one of motorsport’s most historic teams.
“I think my journey’s been quite positive so far. It’s been quite short. I started racing in 2022 and then joined McLaren as a DDP [Driver Development Programme] driver last year,” Lloyd explained.
“My journey’s been quite short in motorsport, but I think over the last year, I think I’ve progressed quite well. I was obviously on the wild card, and then that led to having a full seat then this year with McLaren.
“So, I think it’s been a pretty positive season so far. And to be racing in F1 Academy as well to obviously promote females in motorsport is great to do that.”
A launchpad through McLaren
Lloyd’s standout performances in British F4 and her wildcard entry into the 2024 F1 Academy round in Singapore caught the attention of McLaren, who welcomed her into their Driver Development Programme later that year. Since then, she’s been steadily evolving her craft both on track and behind the scenes.
“Yeah, so joining McLaren was from British F4. I had a positive season there, and then I had a positive debut out in Singapore [F1 Academy WildCard entry]. I think it just came from that and the good results I had in my first single-seater season, which led to becoming a DDP driver, and obviously this year’s Academy driver.
“And then the opportunities they’ve given me has obviously led to the Formula E Test last year as well as this one.
“Then it’s obviously like the fitness side of it. And I’ve got a driving opportunity as well in F1 Academy as well as the DDP Programme. It’s helped me quite a lot to be able to progress through the year.”
From Madrid to Berlin: A Formula E return for Lloyd
Ella first tested the all-electric GEN3 Evo in Madrid at Formula E’s inaugural Women’s Test in late 2024. While it was a steep learning curve, the experience has proven valuable as she returns for the official Berlin Rookie Test.
“Obviously, I’m always going to be more prepared going into this test, having driven already last year.
“But, it was an amazing opportunity to be given again. I think last year was just… we had limited time in the car, and I jumped straight from an F4 car into the FE car, which is quite a big jump. And I’ve already had a taste of it. I feel like I’m more prepared and ready to jump back in and show what I’m capable of.”
Preparation and progress
Despite switching between vastly different machinery, Lloyd says her approach to race weekends—whether it’s a high-downforce F1 Academy car or the regenerative challenge of Formula E—remains consistent.
“No different really. Obviously, learning the track, learning the car again on the sim. And just the same prep as I would normally do. Obviously, just new car, new track. Well, not new car, but really learning the car. So, not different and obviously still in the gym.”
As her career continues to gain momentum, Berlin represents another crucial learning opportunity. Not only to develop further as a driver but to strengthen her case for a future seat in single-seater racing. With her blend of adaptability, maturity, and drive, Ella Lloyd is making sure she’s on the radar, no matter the category.
