Formula One Academy racer, Bianca Bustamante, has etched her name in history as the first female driver to join the prestigious McLaren Driver Development programme. The 18-year-old prodigy, hailing from the Philippines, made her mark in the single-seater world in 2022, competing in the W Series where she secured the coveted top rookie honours.
In the current year, Bustamante further showcased her prowess by claiming two wins and two podium finishes in the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA Racing, leading up to the season finale in Austin this weekend.
As an integral part of this groundbreaking programme, Bustamante is set to represent McLaren in the 2024 F1 Academy series, adorned in the team’s iconic livery. She will transition to race with ART Grand Prix, marking a significant stride in her promising career.
getting emotional, as the history and heritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.”
Photo: Formula One
Under the visionary leadership of Emanuele Pirro, Bustamante will be integrated into McLaren’s talent pipeline, which aims to foster the progression of drivers towards Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula E.
In a momentous statement, Bustamante expressed her overwhelming emotions, stating:
“This is such an unreal moment in my career, to sign with McLaren and ART Grand Prix is way beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined growing up racing karts in the Philippines.”
Formula One Academy racer, Bianca Bustamante
“I still have a hard time seeing my name next to McLaren without getting emotional, as the history and heritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.”
Looking ahead, Bustamante outlined her goals, emphasising the importance of consistency and mental fortitude in her pursuit of a title challenge in the upcoming F1 Academy season.
She acknowledged her gratitude towards key figures who paved the way for this extraordinary opportunity, including Susie Wolff and the F1 Academy team, as well as Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Emanuele Pirro, Sebastian Philippe, her sponsors, and her unwavering supporters.
her name in history as the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development programme after topping the W Series.
Photo: Formula One
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Team Principal, expressed the team’s delight at welcoming Bustamante into their fold, emphasising McLaren’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the motorsport realm.
Emanuele Pirro, Director of the McLaren Racing Driver Development and a former Formula 1 driver, echoed the sentiment of anticipation, praising Bustamante’s work ethic and alignment with the team’s values. Pirro said he eagerly looks forward to guiding her journey as a racing driver, and anticipates her future races adorned in McLaren’s distinctive papaya hue.
This historic milestone not only signifies a remarkable achievement for Bianca Bustamante but also stands as a testament to McLaren’s unwavering dedication to fostering talent and inclusivity within the world of motorsport.
Main Photo Caption: 18-year-old Philippines motor racing prodigy and now Formula One Academy racer, Bianca Bustamante, has etched her name in history as the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development programme after topping the W Series. Photo: Formula One
Photo Caption: Formula One Academy racer, Bianca Bustamante: “I still have a hard time seeing my name next to McLaren without getting emotional, as the history and heritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.” Photo: Formula One
Photo Caption: 18-year-old Philippines motor racing prodigy and now Formula One Academy racer, Bianca Bustamante, has etched her name in history as the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development programme after topping the W Series. Photo: Formula One
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