Bianca Bustamente, the talented F1 Academy racer, broke down in tears as she put on her McLaren shirt for the very first time. This emotional moment comes after Bustamente made history by becoming the first ever female driver to join McLaren's prestigious Driver Development programme.
The Tearful Moment
Bustamente shared her heartfelt reaction to joining McLaren's Driver Development programme on Instagram. In the emotional video, she can be seen shedding tears of joy as she dons the iconic McLaren gear for the first time.
Overwhelming Support
Following the announcement of Bustamente's historic achievement, well wishes and congratulations poured in from fans and fellow racers. The racing community is thrilled for Bustamente and her groundbreaking accomplishment.
A Special Moment
In her Instagram post, the 18-year-old racer expressed her gratitude and reflected on the significance of this milestone. She wrote, "Putting on my McLaren team shirt for the very first time was a very special moment. So many thoughts and emotions came to me. All the struggles and trials my family and I had to battle through, the support from so many people to help me get here, the community of race fans cheering me on…"
Bustamente's heartfelt post also highlighted her determination to chase her dreams, saying, "It's one step closer to my dreams, but still such a long way to go. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart. I promise to give it my all, I will not waste this opportunity."
Next Season with McLaren
In the upcoming 2024 F1 Academy season, Bustamente will proudly represent McLaren and race with ART Grand Prix. Her race car will feature the iconic McLaren livery, adding to the excitement surrounding her participation.
A Promising Career
Bustamente's journey to McLaren began in the 2022 W Series, where she made her single-seater debut. Despite the season being cut short and the series going into administration the following year, Bustamente showcased her talent with two race wins and two podium finishes. Her impressive performances caught the attention of McLaren, leading to this historic opportunity.
It is worth noting that Bustamente's achievement comes shortly after Jessica Hawkins, a stunt driver for James Bond, became the first woman to test an F1 car for Aston Martin since 2018. These breakthroughs highlight the increasing inclusivity and diversity within the world of Formula 1.
In the upcoming races, Bustamente will proudly display McLaren's livery, making her an inspiring figure in the world of motorsports.
