ART Grand Prix is delighted to announce Bianca Bustamante as their first F1 Academy driver for this next season.
The 18-year-old competed in the first ever series in 2023, and currently sits 7th in the Drivers’ standing after winning two races and securing four podium finishes.
The young driver from the Philippines has some very impressive achievements in numerous domestic and international karting competitions, recording victories and pole positions on three continents, her native Asia, Australia, and the USA. Notably, she won the Chinese Grand Prix Kart Scholarship four times and the Macao International Kart Grand Prix on three occasions.
She was selected as the sole Asian contestant for the 2021 FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars scholarship shootout. In 2022, Bianca won the W Series Scholarship Shootout and became the best rookie of the championship.
Bianca will be racing with ART Grand Prix this season, under McLaren’s colours.
Bianca Bustamante:
“This is a fantastic development, signing with a prestigious team as ART GP. I am thrilled to be given this opportunity as everyone is aware of ART’s records in motorsport. This will help me have the best possible structure around my development and help me move up the ladder of my racing career.
My aim for next year is to be as consistent as possible and to see strong mental growth. This will assist me in my quest to be right up there making a bid for the series honors in the 2024 F1 Academy season.
I would like to thank Sébastien Philippe as well as my sponsors. Without their support, this step wouldn’t have been possible. I am really grateful for their faith in me, and I can’t wait to give it everything I have.”
Sébastien Philippe:
“Bianca has the determination and commitment of her youth as well as the maturity of someone who already has a great deal of experience in top-level competition. Her talent caught the attention of ART Grand Prix during her first F1 Academy season because she was one of our rivals! Her success and attitude nicely match the profile of drivers that the team aims to nurture as they strive for excellence in the highest level of motorsport.”
