The daughter of an F1 legend will perform in Most. Ella Häkkinen: Representing the Czech Republic means a lot to me

First season in formula racing, support for McLaren's driving program and premiere race in front of Czech fans. Ella Häkkinen will arrive at the Racing Journal Speed Fest as one of the most followed young drivers in the F4 Central European Zone championship. She will compete at the Autodrom Most on the weekend of August 1st and 2nd in an exceptionally large starting field of forty formula cars.

The daughter of two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen will be spending her first season behind the wheel of a single-seater this year. After years spent in karting, she will have to get used to not only the significantly higher speed, but also the completely different behavior of the car.

"The biggest challenge when switching from karting was working with tires, which are completely different in formula. On the contrary, what excited me the most was the higher speed and also the size of the car compared to karting," Ella Häkkinen describes her first experiences in Formula 4.

The race in the Czech Republic has special meaning for her
Although she was born into a famous Finnish racing family, she competes under the Czech flag in the F4 CEZ series. She has a close relationship with the Czech Republic thanks to her family and regularly spends part of the year there.
" I am proud to represent the Czech Republic. Even more so because my family will be there to support me during the race weekend in Most. I spend most of my family holidays in the Czech Republic, so racing here in front of Czech fans means a lot to me," she says.

The Most race will be her first opportunity to introduce herself to the Czech audience on her home track. She will also be making her debut on a technically demanding circuit that combines fast sections with sections that require precision and the right rhythm.

"The track looks very interesting and I'm looking forward to racing there for the first time. My goal is to learn as much as possible, enjoy the whole weekend and have fun racing in the Czech Republic," adds Häkkinen.

McLaren oversees further development
Ella Häkkinen is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, which helps young talents with their further driving and personal development. The support covers not only track work, but also physical and mental preparation and media appearances.

"The McLaren programme offers extensive support, both media and technical. An important part of racing is physical and mental preparation. This is what I am currently working on with my personal trainer at Hintsa Performance," he explains.

Racing Journal Speed Fest will offer one of the largest Formula 4 races in Central Europe. The F4 CEZ starting field will feature around forty young drivers, including other competitors representing the Czech Republic.
In addition to the formulae, fans will see GT car races, TCR Eastern Europe touring cars, as well as the Clio and Twingo cup series. Visitors will also have access to the paddock and, during the pit walk, directly to the pit lane.

Racing Journal Speed Fest will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026 at Autodrom Most. Pre-sale tickets for adults start at 300 CZK, children under 15 have free admission.
More information and tickets: www.autodrom-most.cz/formule/

$PHOTOS