F1: McLaren Signs Bianca Bustamante, First Filipino Female Racer in Driver Development Programme

Bianca Bustamante - W Series Round 4:Le Castellet - Practice & Qualifying

(Photo : Clive Rose/Getty Images) LE CASTELLET, FRANCE - Bianca Bustamante of Czech Republic and W Series Academy (9) drives on track during practice ahead of W Series Round 4 at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 22, 2022 in Le Castellet, France.

Bianca Bustamante, currently a driver for F1 Academy team Prema Racing, was signed by British motorsport team McLaren on Wednesday, October 18, making her the first female racer to join their Driver Development Programme.

The 18-year-old, hailing from the Philippines, secured victories in two races for Prema during the ongoing F1 Academy season, notably in the Valencia and Monza rounds.

"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," the newest McLaren signing said in a statement.

Bustamante made her single-seater debut in the 2022 W Series, securing P15 in the standings in her first campaign. Unfortunately, the all-female single-seater racing series disbanded after the season.

Bustamante to wear iconic McLaren colors next season

For the upcoming 2024 F1 Academy season, the Filipino driver will be racing with ART Grand Prix, representing McLaren.

"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," the two-time F1 Academy race winner added.

Bustamante is currently P7 in the F1 Academy championship standings with three races to go, all to be held in the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 21 and 22.