McLaren reveal strong desire for second female driver

McLaren

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McLaren reveal strong desire for second female driver

Extreme E driver Emma Gilmour the only female to have competed for McLaren

Sam Hall

Wednesday 29 June 2022 10:30

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McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has revealed the team's "strong desire" to add another female driver to its roster.

New Zealander Emma Gilmour became the first female driver to represent McLaren when she was announced as part of the team's Extreme E line-up in November 2021.

Unlike most teams in F1, McLaren does not have an extensive young driver programme with only British F4 driver Ugo Ugochukwu connected to the outfit.

But Brown has revealed that this could be set to change.

Asked by GPFans if McLaren is interested in signing a female talent, Brown explained: "We'd love to have a young female driver.

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"It is something that actually, we have spoken with a few of our partners about who share that same interest.

"So I would say, watch this space."

McLaren W Series team a possibility

The W Series has helped to push female driving talent to the fore with its inclusion on this year's F1 support bill widening its audience.

Aston Martin is represented on the grid by ambassador Jessica Hawkins and two-time champion Jamie Chadwick is also a part of the Williams driver academy but no team shows its colours on the grid.

This is something that Brown hinted that McLaren could change.

Asked if McLaren could back a W Series team, Brown added: "I think we are going to review.

"We have a strong desire to have more females that are McLaren drivers so we are undergoing a review of what is the best way to do that.

"So I wouldn't rule that out or rule that in at this point."