The 18-year-old will sport a McLaren-themed livery in next year’s F1 Academy season while driving for ART Grand Prix.

As noted by McLaren, the development programme is de🔴signed to help drivers such as Bustamante in🅰to F1, IndyCar and Formula E.

She finished 15th in the 2022 W Series season, scor𝔉ing 💛points on just one occasion.

Bustamante currently sits seventh in this year’s F1 Academy 𓂃standing🅰s with one round remaining in Austin.

Speaking of the announcement, she 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 Phili💜ppines. 

“I still have a hard time seeing my name next to McLaren without getting emotional, as the history and ꦐheritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.  

“I’m so grateful for this oppor🦩tunity as I believe I now have the best possible development structure around me to take the next step up in my career, and for this I am so thankful. 2023 was all about improving my speed which I demonstr༒ated across several races this year, but in 2024 my aim is to establish consistency and improve my mental strength in order to make a title challenge in the coming F1 Academy season.”

Team boss Andrea Stella added: “The team are delighted for Bianca to join us, and for McLaren to be involved in F1 Academy. It’s a core principle of ours to be a diverse and inclusive team, so we’re pleased to be so involved🌟 in Formula 1’s work on the important topic of improving gender diversity within motorsport. 

“We also look forward to seeing Bianca grow and progress within the McLaren Racing Driver Development programme und📖er Emanuele’s guidance.”