Welsh Teenage Star Ella Lloyd On Fast Track To Stardom With McLaren

By Gareth James

Welsh driver Ella Lloyd has been selected to drive for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for the Women’s Test, as part of Pre-Season Testing for the 2024/25 Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Lloyd, 19, recently joined the McLaren Driver Development programme and will represent the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season with Rodin Motorsport.

The teenager from Pontypridd will join Filipino Bianca Bustamante in driving for the NEOM McLaren team at the Valencia Women’s Test.

“I’m really excited to be part of the Women’s Test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” said Lloyd.

“This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”

Meet Wales' newest motorsport star!

19-year-old Ella Lloyd from Pontypridd has joined McLaren's Driver Development Programme, and will race in F1 Academy next season.

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— LBC News Wales (@LBCNewsWales) October 8, 2024

Lloyd began racing competitively in 2022 in the Ginetta Junior Championship before competing in in the Ginetta GT Championship the following year, finishing vice-champion.

At the beginning of 2024, she competed in the Formula Winter Series, securing the Female Driver Trophy multiple times.

She competed in British F4, completing the 2024 season with three P2 results, one P3 and multiple points finishes.

The Women’s Test aims to spearhead racing talent by providing women an opportunity to gain experience in the new GEN3 Evo car, while building their motorsport opportunities.

Get to know the newest member of the papaya family, Ella Lloyd. ???? pic.twitter.com/ilAVTp5JPp

— NEOM McLaren FE (@McLarenFE) October 9, 2024

The Women’s Test will take place on Thursday 7 November in Valencia, Spain. It is a first-of-its kind in FIA World Championship motorsport.

“I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia pre-season testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” said McLaren Electric Racing managing director and NEOM McLaren team principal Ian James.

“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation.

“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. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month.”

News: @McLarenFE confirms that Bianca Bustamante will be their 2nd driver next to Ella LLoyd

All #FormulaE drivers for the women's test in Valencia ????????: https://t.co/6DrZ1gE7gI#ABBFormulaE #FETesting pic.twitter.com/cDzyRhcZ5t

— ⚡️ e-Formula.news (@eFORMULAnews) October 15, 2024