Allica Bank has agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with 16-year-old racing driver Daniella Sutton, becoming her official banking partner as she pursues her ambition to be the first female Formula 1 champion.
Sutton (pictured, left), who competes in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship and has her sights set on a move into FIA Formula 4, began karting at the age of six.
Earlier this year she was selected for the British Racing Drivers’ Club Rising Stars programme, whose alumni include Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Allica, a fintech challenger bank that serves established small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, said its partnership with Sutton was a natural fit with its commitment to supporting those who “take bold steps forward – whether on the track or in business”.
Richard Davies (pictured, right), chief executive of Allica Bank, said: “Daniella represents the kind of challenger mindset we admire at Allica. She’s ambitious, focused, and not afraid to keep trying even when things get tough.
“That’s exactly the spirit we see in the established businesses we support every day, and we’re proud to be part of her journey.”
Sutton, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of 12, said she had learned to manage the condition while continuing to race.
“Racing is my passion, and I’ve loved it since I was little. But it is also challenging. You have to stay completely on top of your game while trying to manage so many different things,” she said.
Backed by her father, Dan, a lorry driver, and stepmother Rachel, a receptionist, Sutton has relied on family support both in pursuing sponsorship and in the day-to-day logistics of competing. Allica’s support will cover her development both on and off the track until the end of 2026.
She said: “I’m so excited to have Allica in my corner – they believe in what I’m trying to do, and they’re helping me get there. It’s fantastic to have a partner like them on board.”
The partnership will also see the Sutton family use an Allica Bank business current account to manage sponsorship funds and racing expenses.
