Formula One: McLaren’s first female development driver, Bianca Bustamante

Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante, who made a successful debut in the inaugural season of the Formula One Academy last year, is gearing up for the season’s campaign, which is set to begin from March 8 to 9 at the famous Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia.

Teenage Bianca aims to fight for the championship title as she competes with French team ART Grand Prix in support of McLaren Racing.

After two victories and four podium finishes in 2023, 19-year-old Bianca will be looking to raise the bar in 2024 with a fresh approach to her Formula One Academy campaign.

Thanks to the McLaren Driver Development Programme, her support has grown both on and off the track and has helped Bianca focus on several areas for development, including the mental side of racing.

While the views of the Jeddah Corniche circuit may be breathtaking, it is the second longest circuit on the Formula One calendar and also the fastest.

This will mean that the race driver from Laguna, Philippines will have to show extraordinary precision and bravery on the famous street circuit in his papaya colored Tatuus F4-T421.

F1 Academy racer Bianca became a new addition to the McLaren driver development program last year.

The 19-year-old has made history by becoming the first female driver to join the British team’s development programme.

Born in the Philippines, Bianca began her single-seater career in the 2022 W Series, where she was named the top rookie.

McLaren’s first female development driver, Bianca Bustamante (Formula One Academy Limited)

This year he joined the grid for the F1 Academy’s inaugural season with Prima Racing, taking two wins and two podiums to the season finale in Austin this weekend.

Under the programme, she will represent McLaren on the 2024 F1 Academy grid and race alongside the ART Grand Prix.

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His involvement in the McLaren Driver Development Program led by Emmanuel Pirro will add him to the team’s talent pipeline, which aims to help drivers progress to Formula One, IndyCar and Formula E.

‘It’s a surreal moment in my career, signing a contract with McLaren and ART Grand Prix is ​​beyond anything I might have ever imagined other than racing karts in the Philippines. I can do it.’

“I still find it difficult to see my name with McLaren without getting emotional because the history and heritage associated with the team really overwhelms me,” he said.

‘I am very grateful for this opportunity as I believe I now have the best possible development system to take the next step in my career.

‘2023 was regarding improving my pace which I showed in many races this year but my aim in 2024 is to build consistency and improve my mental strength to make a title challenge in the upcoming F1 Academy season. can go.’

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: ‘The team is delighted to have Bianca join us and McLaren’s F1 Academy.

‘Having a diverse and inclusive team is our core principle so we are delighted to join Formula One’s work on the important topic of improving gender diversity within motor support.

‘We look forward to Bianca’s progress and performance in the McLaren Racing Driver Development Program under Emmanuel’s guidance.’

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