F1 News: McLaren Signs F1 Academy Star Bianca Bustamante In Development Programme

F1 Academy racer Bianca Bustamante has become a historic addition to the McLaren Driver Development programme.

Bianca Bustamante, the 18-year-old F1 Academy racer, recently made history by becoming the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development programme.

Key Takeaways:

• F1 Academy racer Bianca Bustamante becomes the first female driver to be a part of the McLaren Driver Development programme, switching to race with ART Grand Prix.
• Born in the Philippines, Bustamante showcased her prowess in the F1 Academy season with two victories and two podiums for PREMA Racing.
• Through her inclusion in McLaren’s programme, Bianca gets one step closer to Formula 1, under the guidance of Emanuele Pirro, with a vision for IndyCar and Formula E.

Bustamante marked her single-seater debut in the 2022 W Series and managed to clinch top rookie honours. In her maiden F1 Academy season, representing PREMA Racing, she bagged two wins and an additional two podiums. As the season reaches its crescendo in Austin, Bustamante's focus remains undeterred.

"This is such an unreal moment in my career," expressed an overwhelmed Bustamante, noting her deep connection and respect for the heritage and history of McLaren. Grateful for the unparalleled development structure McLaren provides, she emphasised her aspirations for 2024, including consistent performance and enhanced mental fortitude to challenge for the title in the forthcoming F1 Academy season.

McLaren Press Image

She expressed her gratitude, stating:

"A big thanks goes to Susie Wolff and the team at F1 Academy for fighting so hard for us girls and to give us this opportunity to be the best we can be."

Andrea Stella, Team Principal of McLaren, communicated the team's enthusiasm on welcoming Bustamante. For McLaren, involvement in the F1 Academy aligns with their core principle of promoting diversity and inclusivity in motorsport.

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Emanuele Pirro, the helm of the McLaren Racing Driver Development programme and an ex-F1 racer himself, expressed his delight in having Bustamante on board. 

"She’s a promising young talent who has a brilliant work ethic and is aligned closely to our team’s values."

McLaren Press Image