Häkkinen is coming - Slovakia is expecting a weekend full of racing

Orechová Potôň, May 20, 2026 – A weekend full of formula racing and an even fuller starting grid awaits Slovak motorsport fans during the first weekend of June. Among the competitors will also be the famous Häkkinen name, this time represented by the talented Ella, daughter of legendary two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen.

At just fifteen years old, the young driver is already considered one of the biggest female talents in junior motorsport. Fans will have the chance to see her live during the F4 CEZ Championship race weekend at Slovakia Ring on June 6–7.

For Slovak motorsport, this is a highly attractive event. The circuit near Orechová Potôň will welcome a young driver who is already being discussed in Formula 1 paddocks as one of the possible future stars of women’s motorsport — someone who could one day even reach an F1 cockpit.

Over several karting seasons, Ella Häkkinen established herself in strong international competition, drawing attention with impressive results in prestigious series such as Champions of the Future Academy and the WSK Series. In 2024, she secured her first major international victory in Cremona, Italy, and began to be regarded as a serious emerging talent.

McLaren selected her for its driver academy

A major moment in the career of the young racer, who competes under the Czech flag, came last autumn when Ella Häkkinen joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme — the junior development program of the McLaren Formula 1 team. For any young driver, becoming part of an F1 academy is a significant career step, providing access to professional facilities, simulators, coaches, physical preparation, and top-level technical know-how. McLaren has also described her as one of the brightest young prospects in its academy.

Formula 4 arrives

The year 2026 has already become a breakthrough season for Ella. After her success in karting championships, she transitioned to single-seaters and is making her debut this year in the F4 CEZ Championship. Formula 4 series are considered an important step toward professional motorsport careers. F4 represents a driver’s first real experience with formula cars, aerodynamics, tire management, and a completely different driving style compared to karting.

And Ella did not enter the series merely to gain experience. She signed with Jenzer Motorsport, one of the most successful teams in the championship. Her debut came during the opening round at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. A total of 42 drivers registered for the event, leading to an unusual format with three qualifying races. Thirty-two drivers advanced to the finals, where Ella finished in 12th place.

A factory for future stars

The Swiss team Jenzer Motorsport has been one of the most respected names in junior motorsport for more than three decades. The team has previously competed in GP3, FIA Formula 3, and Formula Renault, helping develop several drivers who later advanced to Formula 1 and DTM. One of the best-known names to come through the team is Yuki Tsunoda.

For a young driver, it represents an ideal environment. At Jenzer Motorsport, Ella gains access to top engineers, data analysis, professional coaching, and detailed technical work on driving techniques — elements that often determine final race results.

Single-seaters that already resemble real Formula 1 cars

The F4 CEZ Championship uses identical Tatuus F4-T421 single-seaters. These cars feature a carbon-fiber monocoque, halo protection system, aerodynamic wings, and a sequential gearbox with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Power comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged Abarth gasoline engine producing approximately 160 horsepower.

That may not sound extreme, but in a car weighing around 605 kilograms, it is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 240 km/h.

Drivers usually move into F4 directly from karting, making formula racing their first major challenge. They must learn how to work with aerodynamics, brake far more aggressively, manage tire temperatures correctly, analyze telemetry, communicate with race engineers, and handle the physical and mental demands of professional motorsport.

Slovakia Ring will be a major test

Slovakia Ring is considered one of the most technically demanding circuits in the championship, which consists of six tracks, with the Slovak venue being the third round of the season. Long straights, fast corners, and heavy braking zones make it an ideal test of driving ability.

For Slovak fans, it will be especially exciting to watch how Ella Häkkinen handles the strong competition in Central European F4 racing.

The paddock atmosphere also promises a memorable experience. Formula 4 remains one of the last categories where fans can get remarkably close to the drivers, teams, and machinery. Watching young talents at work, seeing mechanics in the garages, and hearing the roar of formula engines up close still carries a unique charm.

Mika Häkkinen: Ella has enormous talent

Mika Häkkinen himself has spoken about his daughter cautiously but with clear pride. In several interviews, he has stated that Ella possesses an exceptional feel for the car, a strong work ethic, and the ability to learn very quickly. Mika does not personally coach her, explaining that he would be too emotionally involved as a father. Instead, Ella prepares for races under the guidance of professional trainers and specialists.

In recent years, global motorsport has been actively working to support women in racing. Projects such as the F1 Academy, new junior development programs, and growing media support have created more opportunities than ever before.

Ella Häkkinen is among the names receiving particularly close attention. She is young, talented, backed by a strong support system, and also possesses significant media appeal, with more than 35,000 followers on Instagram. If her progress continues at the current pace, her path toward higher formula categories appears very realistic.

That is precisely why her appearance at Slovakia Ring will be such an attraction. It is not every day that Slovak fans get the opportunity to watch a driver who is already being discussed inside Formula 1 paddocks.

Invitation to a racing-filled weekend

The F4 CEZ Championship race weekend at Slovakia Ring will take place on June 6–7 as part of the OMV MaxxMotion Goodyear FIA ETRC Truck Race of Slovakia event. Spectators will also be able to enjoy truck racing and touring car competitions. It is traditionally considered one of the premier events of the season at Slovakia’s only permanent racing circuit.

More information about the event can be found on the official website of Slovakia Ring.

Text: Tomáš Bíly
Source: startstop.sk