BIANCA BUSTAMANTE has made historical past by turning into McLaren’s first-ever feminine driver.
The academy racer has turn into the latest addition to the British motor racing crew’s growth programme.
Bianca Bustamante has made historical past by turning into McLaren’s first feminine driverCredit score: Getty
Bustamante has earned two podium finishes within the F1 Academy seasonCredit score: Instagram @racerbia
The 18-year-old is presently with PREMA racingCredit score: Instagram @racerbia
Bustamante, 18, was born within the Philippines and made her single-seater debut within the 2022 W Sequence.
This yr she raced within the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA racing the place she has thus far earned two wins and one other two podium finishes.
She will probably be heading into the season finale in Austin, Texas this weekend presently sitting in seventh place.
The McLaren programme will embrace the teenager to characterize the crew on the 2024 F1 Academy grid and run their livery.
Bustamante can be set to modify groups to ART Grand Prix subsequent season.
The programme is led by the legendary Emanuele Pirro – the place the promising younger driver will be part of McLaren’s proficient rank within the hope of racing within the prestigious F1, IndyCar and Formulation E.
Talking on her success as the primary feminine to hitch the British aspect, Bustamante mentioned: “That is such an unreal second in my profession.
“To signal with McLaren and ART Grand Prix is method past something I might’ve ever imagined rising up racing karts within the Philippines.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
“I nonetheless have a tough time seeing my title subsequent to McLaren with out getting emotional, because the historical past and heritage linked to this crew leaves me really speechless.
“I’m so grateful for this chance as I imagine I now have the absolute best growth construction round me to take the following step up in my profession.
“And for this, I’m so grateful. 2023 was all about bettering my velocity which I demonstrated throughout a number of races this yr.
“However in 2024 my goal is to determine consistency and enhance my psychological power as a way to make a title problem within the coming F1 Academy season.
“For now, my focus is to complete off the F1 Academy season strongly right here in Austin, however we’ll get to work instantly on the 2024 season. I’ve by no means been extra motivated in my life!
“A giant thanks goes to Susie Wolff and the crew at F1 Academy for preventing so exhausting for us women and to present us this chance to be the most effective we might be.”