Bustamante becomes 1st female to enroll in McLaren Driver Development Program

Bianca Bustamante recently joined the McLaren Driver Development Program, making her the first female driver to race for the storied British brand.

On that note, Bustamante will represent McLaren — wearing the iconic papaya color — and its inceptive involvement in F1 Academy while racing under the banner of Art Grand Prix.

“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. 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,” Bustamante was quoted saying.

“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, and for this, I am so thankful. 2023 was all about improving my speed which I demonstrated across several races this year, but in 2024 my aim is to establish consistency and improve my mental strength in order to make a title challenge in the coming F1 Academy season,” she added.

The McLaren Driver Development Program is headed by Emanuele Pirro, Former Formula 1 driver, ex-McLaren test driver, and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.

Pirro revealed that he is pleased with Bustamante joining the team and the new member of the McLaren Driver Development Program has a brilliant work ethic that is aligned closely to the team’s values.

“I’ve never been more motivated in my life! 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. Additional thanks go to Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Emanuele Pirro, Sebastian Philippe, my sponsors, and all my supporters for believing in me and making this all possible. I am full of gratitude, and I promise to give it my all,” Bustamante noted.

Bustamante now sits in seventh place in the overall driver’s standings of the female-only single-seater racing championship founded by Formula 1. She also has several wins and podium finishes under her belt, notably her victories in Valencia and Monza.

Outside of F1 Academy, Bustamante has competed in other race series like WSeries, Formula 4 UAE Championship, and the Italian F4. Recently, she also won the Tiktok Philippines’ Sports Creator of the Year award.

“The team are delighted for Bianca to join us, and for McLaren to be involved in F1 Academy. It’s a core principle of ours to be a diverse and inclusive team, so we’re pleased to be so involved in Formula 1’s work on the important topic of improving gender diversity within motorsport. We also look forward to seeing Bianca grow and progress within the McLaren Racing Driver Development program under Emanuele’s guidance,” commented McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella.

Photos from Art Grand Prix and Formula 1

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