F1 Academy race winner added to McLaren training programme

McLaren announced Bustamante as a new member of the Driver Development programme on Wednesday morning ahead of the United States Grand Prix weekend. This also directly confirmed Bustamante's return to F1 Academy in 2024. She will represent McLaren and drive for the ART team.

McLaren confirms F1 Academy driver

Bustamante reacted happily to the news: "To every event I have been to, Formula 1, Formula E, Indycar, I was always with McLaren. I didn't really expect this opportunity; that I would really become part of the team. I am Bianca Bustamente, driver in the F1 Academy and I am so happy to join the Papaya family."

In 2024, the F1 Academy will embark on its second season. In this second year, the calendar will be laid closely alongside the Formula 1 calendar. The season's seven races will be fitted into the F1 schedule to make the F1 Academy a full-fledged support category. Another novelty for 2024 is that all F1 teams will be visible in the championship with support for at least one driver. McLaren selects Bustamante and also includes her directly in the training programme.

F1 Academy calendar

The championship calendar has also been announced, and the F1 Academy women will join Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia, Miami, Spain, Holland, Singapore, Qatar and in Abu Dhabi.