Newark teen Tanner LaMagna toured McLaren's garage, had lunch with two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen and met F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd during a family trip to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
Dream On 3 arranged the experience at Circuit of The Americas, according to the nonprofit. The visit took Tanner behind the scenes with his favorite team and into grandstand seats overlooking the post-race podium.
Tanner sustained a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia in a BMX racing crash in July 2025. The national nonprofit creates sports experiences for children and young adults with life-altering conditions, connecting them with athletes, teams and sporting events.
A champion's advice and a surprise meeting
McLaren hosted the family for a paddock tour and lunch with Häkkinen, who shared stories from his career and encouraged Tanner to recognize the importance of his mindset. He described how top drivers make their mental approach a priority.
Tanner received signed gear from his favorite driver, Lando Norris. A visit to McLaren's garage gave the family a look at the preparation and coordination involved in getting a Formula 1 car onto the track.
While exploring the F1 Academy garage area Sunday, Tanner was invited to look at Lloyd's McLaren car. Lloyd then appeared, introduced herself and posed for a photo with him beside the car before heading out to race.
The family later returned to the grandstand to cheer for her in the F1 Academy race.
Qualifying, race day and time with family
On Saturday, Tanner explored activities and car displays around the circuit before watching Formula 1 qualifying alongside his father. Dream On 3 said he explained the action to people around him as they watched.
Tecovas hosted a shopping visit for the family, with Tanner and his brother, Dominick, choosing boots and other items. Dream On 3 also gave Tanner Nike shoes and a custom McLaren hoodie.
On Sunday, the family stopped at a Tecovas pop-up shop, where Tanner thanked employees who helped support the experience, before returning to the racing.
Tickets donated by Circuit of The Americas put the family in the main grandstand for the driver parade, national anthem, flyover and Grand Prix. Their seats also offered a view of the podium celebration as fans filled the track after the finish.
The weekend ended with a dinner at Austin's Omni hotel, where the family and Dream On 3 team talked about their favorite moments from the trip.
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