Lloyd Triumphs in Jeddah, But Discomfort Follows...read more.

Lloyd Triumphs in Jeddah, But Discomfort Follows…read more.

McLaren F1 Academy standout Ella Lloyd experienced a mixed emotional moment this weekend in Jeddah, as she claimed her first victory in Saudi Arabia during the opening race of the 2025 F1 Academy season. Despite securing the top step on the podium, Lloyd appeared frustrated, leaving fans and observers questioning the source of her discontent.

The 19-year-old Welsh driver started the race in second place, but it didn’t take long for her to make a move. She swiftly overtook her Rodin Motorsport teammate, Emma Felbermayr, at Turn 1, assuming the race lead. Lloyd then had to navigate a tricky safety car restart, fending off a determined challenge from Ferrari’s Maya Weug. She held her ground and crossed the finish line in first place, marking a significant milestone in her young career.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by Lloyd’s visible irritation during the podium ceremony. As the British national anthem played in her honor, the Welsh racer looked visibly uncomfortable. The moment was particularly awkward as the anthem was a reminder of her identity as a Welshwoman from Pontypridd, not British.

While her historic win was undeniably impressive, Lloyd’s mixed emotions highlight the complexities of identity and pride in motorsport. Her victory marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season ahead, but it also raised questions about how national identity plays into athletes’ experiences on the global stage.