The grid for the first ever Women’s Testing session organised by Formula E is looking more and more fixed as days go by. The latest addition to the lineup with be sporting a full papaya outfit, as Bianca Bustamante will be joining the NEOM McLaren team in Valencia.
The young Filipina driver had joined the McLaren Driver Development programme back in 2023, competing for them in F1 Academy first with Prema Racing, scoring two race wins as well as two second places, and in 2024 with Art Grand Prix for her final season in the championship, considering the two years maximum permanence cap.
Bustamante also has competed in a range of vastly different championships across the globe, featuring the USF Juniors and WSeries as well as the British and Italian F4 series. The 19 years old was pleased with the opportunity of a fresh start provided by the team who has stuck with her in spite of the social media controversy she has been involved earlier in the season:
“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia. I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator, and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it.”
As announced last week, she will partner up with McLaren Driver Development programme’s latest addition, Ella Lloyd. The girls have already competed against each other in Singapore earlier in the F1 Academy season, with the British driver taking advantage of the wildcard offered at the round.
Lloyd will also represent McLaren in the upcoming 2025 F1 Academy championship teaming up with Rodin Motorsport, and is extremely content with the testing opportunity as well, thanking her new team:
“I’m really excited to be part of the Women’s Test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”
Neom McLaren’s Team Principal Ian James discussed the talents and performance of the two drivers, highlighting the impressive runs they have put in already on the simulator while getting acquainted with the Valencia track and their new challenger:
“I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia Pre-Season Testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation.”
“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month,” he concluded excited for what’s to come.
