The McLaren Formula 1 team has made a significant move by designating Bianca Bustamante as its F1 Academy driver for the 2024 season. This decision comes as part of F1’s effort to increase gender diversity within the sport.

Bustamante, an 18-year-old from the Philippines, will represent McLaren in F1’s female-only feeder series, driving a car run by the renowned French outfit ART Grand Prix. Additionally, she will be integrated into McLaren’s driver development program.

This historic appointment makes Bustamante the first driver selected by an F1 team to compete in the 2024 championship. All 10 F1 teams have collectively agreed to nominate one driver each to participate in the series, sporting their respective team colors. Follow your favourite F1 team with attractive F1 betting odds from Nextbet. 

Expressing her excitement, Bustamante said, “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. 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.”

Currently, Bustamante is ranked seventh in the F1 Academy standings as the series nears its conclusion in Austin. She claimed her first victory in Monza earlier in the season.

Prior to this opportunity, Bustamante competed in the W Series’ shortened 2022 season, achieving a best finish of ninth in Miami. She has also participated in both the Italian and UAE Formula 4 series.

McLaren’s Driver Development director, Emanuele Pirro, welcomed Bustamante, describing her as a “promising young talent” with strong work ethic and values closely aligned with the team. Team principal Andrea Stella expressed his delight for her joining McLaren and the team’s involvement in the F1 Academy.

This step toward gender diversity in motorsport is part of Formula 1’s effort to promote inclusion and equality. The F1 Academy’s season finale at the Circuit of the Americas will be the first to take place during a grand prix weekend. The 2024 series, led by Susie Wolff, includes seven rounds, all part of F1 weekends, with Spain’s Marta Garcia heading into the final 2023 Austin round as the points leader and favorite to secure the inaugural title.

McLaren has recently been active in its driver development roster, signing the newly crowned FIA F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto from Brazil. These moves reflect a broader commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting diversity in the sport. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.