Mika Häkkinen’s daughter has a wealthy backer.
Ella Häkkinen caught McLaren’s attention. PDO
Selected for McLaren’s young driver development program Ella Häkkinen14, has a hard-core supporter in his background.
Billionaire Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, 85, told Iltalehti in February that he would finance Häkkinen’s career.
– Mika (Ella’s father) visited me recently to ask if it would be possible for me to help. We decided that we must also support female drivers, Aarnio-Wihuri said at the time.
– Mika has helped me before, so this is a kind of return service for him. That now who supports anyone here, he insisted.
Back in February, the billionaire financed Ella Häkkinen’s driving with a “quite moderate amount”. He reminded that the girl is just starting her career.
Aarnio-Wihuri only distributes his money to the few and chosen in motorsport. For example, Valtteri Bottas and Tuukka Taponen have been able to enjoy the support.
Antti Aarnio-Wihuri is a great man behind Finnish motorsport. PASI LEISMA
However, there are enough questions.
– Every year in September-October, we receive at least 50 letters in which the “future world champion” asks for support, Aarnio-Wihuri said last winter.
Representing Finland?
Ella Häkki is considered Finland’s new formula promise, but in reality her nationality is not quite so clear.
During the past year, Häkkinen has driven karting under the flags of the Czech Republic and Monaco.
Mika Häkkinen’s Marketa wife is Czech. The family has lived in Monaco for a long time.
However, according to Aarnio-Wihur, Ella’s daughter speaks Finnish. The driver’s Instagram profile also features the Finnish flag next to the flags of the Czech Republic and Monaco.