Bianca Bustamante makes history as McLaren's first female driver development recruit
- Rob Fleming
- 19 October 2023
Bianca Bustamante has become the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development programme.
The Philippines-born 18-year-old competed in the 2022 W Series, claiming the top rookie honours and this year joined the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA Racing, claiming two wins and two podium finishes.
Bustamante will now represent McLaren on the 2024 F1 Academy grid and run their livery, switching to race with 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," said Bustamante.
"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.
"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."
McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella added: "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."
