F1 Academy: Bianca Bustamante joins McLaren development programme
- Ben Morrison
- Oct 18, 2023
- 1 min read
The 18-year old Filipina driver becomes the first female driver to enrol in the team's development programme. Bustamante will also represent McLaren in the next F1 Academy season by racing with the McLaren livery on her car.
Bianca has had a great first season within F1 Academy this year, with the final race this weekend in Austin. With two wins and two podiums under her belt already, the future is looking bright for this young talent.
Since starting her racing career at the age of 5, she has won multiple karting championships across Asia, and has competed in a number of single seater championships including Formula 4 UAE, Italian Formula 4, USF Juniors and W Series.
"We look forward to seeing Bianca grow and progress with the McLaren Racing Driver Development programme" - Andrea Stella, McLaren F1 Team Prinicipal
With this announcement, McLaren also announce Cisco to become an official primary partner of the McLaren F1 Academy programme, ensuring a well supported future for not only Bianca, but the all-female racing category as a whole.
"I’m so grateful for this opportunity as I believe I now have the best possible development structure around me to take the next step up in my career" - Bianca Bustamante
Bianca will continue in F1 Academy in 2024, racing with ART Grand Prix, but representing McLaren under their bright orange, papaya, livery.
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