F1 Academy racer Bustamante has become the newest addition to the McLaren Driver Development programme, with the 18-year-old making history as the first female driver to join the British team’s development programme. Photo: Courtesy of F1 Mclaren Team
MANILA / SINGAPORE: Bianca Bustamante, the trailblazing female F1 driver making history on the race track, and she was in in fine form when she drove for Mclaren during filming and promotional events at the Singapore F1.
F1 Academy racer Bustamante has become the newest addition to the McLaren Driver Development programme, with the 18-year-old making history as the first female driver to join the British team’s development programme.
The trailblazing Filipino American racer Bianca Bustamante is filled with determination and fond memories as she gears up for life in th efastest lane.
Reflecting on her journey with a new hair, Bustamante took to social media to share her excitement and gratitude for the opportunities that have brought her to this moment in her racing career.
Bianca Bustamante with her manager Darryl O’Young after she scored her maiden podium in the F1 Academy race in Spielberg, Austria in April 2023. - PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIANCA BUSTAMANTE AND DARRYL O’YOUNG
As the first-ever Filipina McLaren Development driver, Bustamante expressed her emotions in an Instagram post, recounting her early arrival in Singapore and the experiences she’s had in the lead-up to the race this weekend.
Born in the Philippines, Bustamante made her single-seater debut in 2022, competing in W Series, where she claimed the top rookie honours. This year, she joined the grid for the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA Racing, earning two wins and two podiums heading into the season finale at Austin this weekend.
“Singapore, you never disappoint,” she wrote, summarizing a whirlwind of activities that included media engagements, fan interactions and personal milestones.
Among the highlights in Singapore, she mentioned her first glimpse of the vibrant city, filming with her Bein Sports Asia team and participating in various promotional events.
As part of the programme, Bustamante will represent McLaren on the 2024 F1 Academy grid and run their livery, switching to race with ART Grand Prix.
McLaren driver Lando Norris (right) chatting with Bianca Bustamante at the F1 Driving Academy paddock in Jeddah in March 2024. - PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIANCA BUSTAMANTE AND DARRYL O’YOUNG
Her involvement in the McLaren Driver Development programme, led by Emanuele Pirro, will see her join the team’s talent pipeline which has an overarching aim to help drivers progress towards Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E.
From meeting fans during her first meet-and-greet of the week to shooting hoops for fun, Bustamante showcased her enthusiasm and connection with her supporters.
“Fun lil interview I can’t wait for y’all to watch,” she wrote. She also shared that she was nervous during the “All That Matters” keynote speech in front of “highly accomplished people.”
However, behind the social media highlights lies a fierce competitor eager to prove herself on the track.
Bustamante’s drive to succeed is even stronger after a challenging performance at the Zandvoort race, where she was unable to score points. Undeterred by the setback, she’s channeling her energy into making a powerful comeback in Singapore.
With a positive mindset and a renewed sense of purpose, Bustamante is determined to make her mark on the familiar streets of Singapore.
She concluded the post, “Aaaaaaand that’s a wrap!! Fun running around SG, now it’s time to put the racing suit on and head to race week!! Track walk [tomorrow] extremely excited to get started.”
For the record, Bustamante became the newest addition to the McLaren Driver Development programme, with the 18-year-old making history as the first female driver to join the British team’s development programme.
Born in the Philippines, Bustamante made her single-seater debut in 2022, competing in W Series, where she claimed the top rookie honours. This year, she joined the grid for the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA Racing, earning two wins and two podiums heading into the season finale at Austin this weekend.
As part of the programme, Bustamante will represent McLaren on the 2024 F1 Academy grid and run their livery, switching to race with ART Grand Prix.
Her involvement in the McLaren Driver Development programme, led by Emanuele Pirro, will see her join the team’s talent pipeline which has an overarching aim to help drivers progress towards Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E.
"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," said Bustamante, after joining McLaren.
"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.
