Bustamante is McLaren Driver Development Program’s 1st female driver

MANILA: Bianca Bustamante is the first female driver to be in the McLaren Driver Development Program.

Bustamante, who has raced with Prema Racing in the recently concluded maiden season of F1 Academy will now race for Art Grand Prix and will wear the iconic papaya color to represent McLaren and its initial involvement in the all-female single-seater racing championship.

“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 said.

“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.

Emanuele Pirro — a Former Formula 1 driver, ex-McLaren test driver, and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner — heads the McLaren Driver Development Program.

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

“I’m pleased that Bianca is joining our Driver Development Program. She’s a promising young talent who has a brilliant work ethic and is aligned closely with our team’s values. I look forward to working with Bianca on her development as a racing driver. We’re also excited for Bianca to be representing the team in the F1 Academy series and we look forward to seeing her race in papaya in 2024,” the McLaren Racing Driver Development Director stated.

The McLaren Driver Development Program has taken in Cisco as its Official Primary Partner. That said, Cisco branding will be represented on Bianca Bustamante’s race car, overalls, and team kit.

“We are always looking to align our brand with programs that foster greater diversity and align to Cisco’s purpose to power an inclusive future for all. The McLaren F1 Academy program was a natural opportunity for us to expand on our partnership with McLaren Racing, and support Bianca as she strives to pave new opportunities for women in motorsports. We will be cheering her on as she takes to the track and have no doubt that she will be an inspiration to many around the world,” Cisco Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Carrie Palin explained.

Photos from Formula 1 and Art Grand Prix

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