She had a rookie year to remember.
Filipina racer Bianca Bustamante finished seventh among 15 contestants in the maiden Formula One (F1) Academy season. The 18-year-old speedster wasn’t at her best in the final race of the year in Austin, Texas last Sunday but the 116 points she garnered throughout the season were enough to help Prema Racing claim the F1 Academy Team Championship trophy.
Bustamante won twice in Valencia, Spain and Monza, Italy and had two podium finishes. The Italy-based Prema Racing truly allowed her to shine and undeniably served as her launchpad into becoming a member of storied racing franchise McLaren.
Bustamante is set to run the British team’s livery on her F1 Academy race car for the 2024 season.
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With the development, the Filipina teen sensation made sure to bid a proper goodbye to Prema Racing.
“This season in @f1academy has been such an amazing journey, so much has happened and I'm so grateful to my team @prema for giving me such a great car all year long and the tremendous support in my driver development,” Bustamante posted on Facebook on Monday.
Bianca had nothing but love for her soon-to-be former team. She, however, said she's ready to take the next step in her flourishing career.
“It’s such a special moment in my rookie F4 season to help the team claim the inaugural F1 Academy Team Championship. I will remember all the great moments we shared, the highs and the lows,” Bustamante said.
“Very emotional as we close this chapter, but I'm already looking forward to everything that's coming in the future,” she added.
Perhaps the only thing Bustamante regretted was not being able to finish her stint with Prema Racing with a bang. Still, she relishes being part of F1 Academy’s inaugural team champs and being teammates with the season’s top driver Marta Garcia.
“We had great pace, but sadly we couldn't put it all together for the win. But of course, thanks to all the great US fans for making it a memorable weekend. So, so happy we can say Prema are team champions,” Bustamante added.
She made history by becoming the first-ever female to be added to McLaren's driver development program. She has already met McLaren legend Lewis Hamilton, and following in his footsteps could be next.
(PM)