F1 News
Confirmed: McLaren to part ways with popular driver
Bianca Bustamante will no longer be associated with McLaren. The driver from the Philippines is set for another challenge next season after completing her maximum two seasons in F1 Academy.
Bianca Bustamante, who was part of McLaren's driver development programme, will no longer be part of the team entering the 2025 season. After completing her maximum two seasons in the F1 Academy, where on both occasions she finished seventh in the drivers' standings, she is set for a different challenge but no longer remains under the British team's wings.
Bustamante was one of the most popular drivers on the F1 Academy grid, as she has 1.6 million followers on Instagram where she documented her journey. This season, she will compete for Elite Motorsport in the GB3 championship.
In that series, she will have the chance to drive at tracks that are part of the Formula One calendar as well to continue her career. Silverstone, Spa, Zandvoort and the Hungaroring will all be featured in the series. In GB3, she will also be joined by F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling, who will compete for Rodin Motorsport.
The driver was over the moon when talking about her next season. She wrote on Instagram: "Wow I honestly can’t believe I’m even writing this. I’m very excited to take a big step up in my racing career in 2025 by joining the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport. A major leap forward from the F4 car! I spent two days testing with Elite in Spain last week with the old GB3 car, and it was very productive."
"We got off to a great start together and I felt so connected with the team straight away, a really professional environment. It’s also been incredible driving higher downforce cars, the GB3 car is very responsive which gives me confidence to find the limits. I absolutely can’t wait to jump into the new car in January, really excited to start our 2025 season with Elite in a few weeks time."
She also promised to deliver for the ones who have faith in her. "2 years ago, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of being able to compete at this level. I’m so thankful to all my sponsors and partners for believing in me and giving me this opportunity, as well as Elite Motorsport for the trust and confidence to give me this chance to join the team. I’m going to be pushing myself hard in the gym over the winter, to prepare for the most important season of my career. My heart is so full and just can’t wait to get to work!" She concluded.
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