Bianca Bustamante: First Pinay Female Driver to Join McLaren
In an exciting turn of events, 18-year-old Filipina racing sensation Bianca Bustamante has set her sights on conquering the world of Formula 1 with a groundbreaking announcement – her signing with the illustrious McLaren Driver Development Program. This decision marks a significant milestone in Bianca Bustamante’s rise to prominence within the global motorsport community.
Bianca Bustamante’s journey to Formula 1 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her racing career took a significant leap forward as she confirmed her participation in the inaugural F1 Academy season with the esteemed Italian team, PREMA Racing. As the season nears its climax, she will showcase her prowess at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Following this thrilling development, Bustamante will represent the ART Grand Prix in the highly anticipated 2024 F1 Academy season. This alliance propels her into the upper echelons of the racing world and cements her status as an emerging star to watch.
For the First Filipina F1 driver, this journey is a dream realized. “This is such an unreal moment in my career. To sign with McLaren and ART Grand Prix is way beyond anything she could have ever imagined growing up as a kid racing karts in the Philippines. Bustamante said, “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.”
A historic achievement accompanies Bustamante’s signing with McLaren. She became the first-ever female driver enrolled in McLaren’s prestigious driver development initiative. Under the mentorship of former McLaren test driver, Formula 1 driver, and Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro, Bustamante is set to reach new heights in her racing career.
Pirro expressed his excitement about adding Bustamante to the McLaren family, saying, “I’m pleased that Bianca is joining our Driver Development Programme. She’s a promising young talent who has a brilliant work ethic and is aligned closely to 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.”
Bustamante’s impressive rookie season in the F1 Academy has garnered significant attention. She has secured two race wins for PREMA Racing during the current 7-round season, solidifying her position as a rising star. Currently, she holds the seventh spot in the driver’s championship standings, accumulating 102 points. With three races remaining at the Circuit of the Americas, Bianca Bustamante focuses on further elevating her standing. Bustamante’s PREMA Racing teammate is leading the championship charge, Marta Garcia, who boasts an impressive 235 points.
One of the defining moments of Bustamante’s career occurred on a sunny afternoon in Spain. On May 6, 2023, during the second race of F1 Academy’s round 2 in Valencia, Bustamante led from start to finish, clinching her first-ever career win as a professional racer. As the Philippine national anthem resonated through the airwaves, Bustamante stood atop the podium with tears of joy, etching her name in motorsport history.
Reflecting on that moment, Bustamante said, “I remember going on the podium, I saw the flag, and I was just standing there when the anthem played, and I think that’s when it really sank into me that wow, we won a race.”
From a young age, Bustamante dreamt of hearing the Philippine national anthem played in the motorsport arena. “I hadn’t heard the national anthem being played in motorsport for a long time,” she shared. “That has always been my goal and my dream—to hear the national anthem being played in the motorsport world, and it did, and I really couldn’t hold back my tears. It was an amazing moment for me.”
Bustamante’s journey is more than just about her achievements on the track. She proudly represents women in a traditionally male-dominated sport and carries the honor of being a Filipino. Her success is a beacon of hope for aspiring female racers in Asia.
“F1 Academy,” an all-female single-seater racing championship, is designed to prepare young female drivers for higher levels of competition and, ultimately, for Formula 1. According to Bustamante, motorsport is becoming more inclusive and diverse, breaking down barriers and promoting equal treatment for all drivers, regardless of gender.
“[They] are making sure that we get equal treatment, equal rights, every driver—boy, girl, man, woman. Once we have the helmet on, we’re racing drivers. We’re classified as racing drivers. I think that’s one of the best feelings you could get in a sport where you’re accepted for who you are,” she said.
Bustamante’s journey began in Laguna, where she lived near the Carmona Race Track. At the tender age of 3, she took her first steps into karting. By six years old, she was competing in Karting in Asia. Now, at 18, she attributes her success to the support of her peers and role models in the sport.
Bustamante’s breakthrough into professional racing came after an impressive performance in the F4 UAE Championship, where she was signed for an entire season with the Italian racing team PREMA Racing. She also competed in the W Series 2022, cut short due to funding issues.
Bustamante’s first professional race win has boosted her confidence, and she hopes it will translate into more victories as the F1 Academy season progresses. She acknowledges the importance of mental coaching and sports psychology in maintaining peak performance and composure under high-pressure racing conditions.
Bustamante’s faith also plays a significant role in her racing journey. She believes that a higher power guides her safely through every race.
The future looks incredibly bright for this young Filipina racing prodigy. With a race win and another podium finish already under her belt in the 7-round maiden season of the all-female series, Bustamante is optimistic that she is hitting all the apexes on her way to her ultimate goal—competing in Formula 1.
As Bianca Bustamante continues her remarkable journey with McLaren and ART Grand Prix, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking achievements and historic milestones she will undoubtedly conquer in the years to come.
Bianca Bustamante: The Rising Star of F1 Academy
Bianca Bustamante, the 18-year-old Filipina sensation, has taken the motorsport world by storm with her remarkable journey from karting in the Philippines to signing with the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Program.
Age and Early Beginnings
Bianca Bustamante’s motorsport journey began incredibly young, karting at the Carmona, Cavite circuit. She almost retired early at karting because of the pandemic, but still, she was able to pursue her dreams. At just 18, she has already achieved extraordinary success.
In terms of Family and support, she has a supportive family. However, there are no specific details about Bianca Bustamante’s Family; it’s clear that her Family’s encouragement and support have played a crucial role in her rise to stardom.
Bianca Bustamante’s Milestone
One of the most significant milestones in Bianca’s career is her signing with the McLaren Driver Development Program. This partnership has catapulted her into the elite motorsport ranks, making her the first female driver in McLaren’s esteemed driver development initiative.
Being a female driver with McLaren was already an achievement. How much more being a Filipino? Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the Filipino phenom and driving sensation is poised to achieve even greater heights in the racing world.
Bianca Bustamante’s impressive wins and accomplishments will propel her journey to motorsport stardom. She made history after dominating races in the F1 Academy’s inaugural season.
Notable achievements include her professional race win at the F1 Academy’s Round 2, held in Valencia, Spain, on May 6, 2023. The victory not only marked a personal milestone but also showcased her potential to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
Net Worth & Social Media Presence
While the details of Bianca Bustamante’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, her rising profile and sponsorship deals undoubtedly contribute to her financial success.
Bianca Bustamante’s Instagram account (@BiancaBustamante) provides a glimpse into her exciting life on and off the track. She shared her latest adventures, races, and behind-the-scenes moments of her inspiring career.
From the Filipino phenom’s early days of karting in the Philippines to her groundbreaking achievements with McLaren and in the F1 Academy, her biography is an inspiring tale of a young woman breaking barriers and pursuing her dreams in a male-dominated sport.
As her career continues to flourish, we can expect more wins and achievements that will undoubtedly solidify her legacy in the racing world.
Know More About Bianca Bustamante
Disclaimer: PhilNews.xyz articles and their external content are not financial advice but are only used for educational purposes. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) first. The team serves to deliver unbiased news with less intrusive ads.
