Former F1 driver Mika Salo, 58, tells what Ella Häkkinen’s contract means in practice.
Ella Häkkinen joins McLaren’s young driver development program. PDO
F1 icon Mika Häkkinen daughter Ella Häkkinen14, has been selected to join McLaren’s young driver development program.
– That’s great news, Mika Salo says.
The former F1 driver knew about McLaren’s plan already, so it didn’t come as a surprise to him. Salo also knows Ella Häkkinen’s potential.
– Ella has been really fast, so unbelievably fast. He has been able to drive seriously against the boys. This was only a matter of time, says Salo about the agreement.
A significant step
According to Salo, entering the McLaren academy is a significant step in Häkkinen’s career.
– Today, it’s really hard to get ahead if you’re not part of a team’s junior program. It’s pretty much impossible, Salo says.
Häkkinen now gets all possible help from McLaren.
– Of course, you can get financial support from there, but also help with training and, for example, psychological and physical training. In the best teams, you can get advice on everything, Salo knows.
He himself drove in the F1 series from 1994 to 2000 and in 2002. The man accumulated 109 race starts. He took the podium twice with Ferrari.
Formula one?
Mika Salo thinks Ella Häkki is a really talented driver. MATTI MATIKAINEN
CEO of McLaren Zak Brown said in the press release that McLaren wants to help girls and women move forward in motorsports.
However, female drivers have not yet been seen in the F1 series.
Could Ella Häkkinen drive in the F1 series someday?
– If the speed is enough, then why not? Salo states without hesitation.
– She can drive there just as well as men. It’s not a problem, but Ella is a young girl, so there is still a long way to the F1 series.
In terms of the F1 dream, getting into McLaren’s junk academy was a big deal.
– Now we are on the right path, Salo concludes.