Since the inception of Formula 1, the grid has been entirely composed of male drivers. The Pinnacle of Motorsport, however, changes with the times. Fans’ expectations of seeing a woman on the grid may come true sooner than most imagined, thanks to racers like Lewis Hamilton fighting for diversity not just on the technical side of things but also in the driver’s seat! He is no longer alone in his fight though. Aston Martin is looking to level the playing field. Earlier this year, they provided the opportunity of a lifetime to Jessica Hawkins. And now, McLaren has taken a page out of their book!

She is a W Series podium finisher, British Karting champion, and is also the driver ambassador for Aston Martin. The 28-year-old completed 26 laps alongside reserve driver Felipe Drugovich. They also aim to support her in the F1 Academy series, an all-female driver championship. However, It seems that Aston Martin is not the only team looking to revolutionize F1. McLaren’s approach has followed suit and signed a ‘brilliant’ young talent hailing from the Philippines, Bianca Bustamante.

McLaren joins Aston Martin’s efforts to promote women in racing

Bianca Bustamante is a rising talent and has made quite the name for herself after the 2022 W Series championship. She has continued that stride in 2023. Scoring two wins and two podiums with PREMA Racing in the first-ever F1 Academy season. She will now go down in Mclaren’s history books as the first female driver of the Mclaren Driver Development Programme. She will make the switch from PREMA to ART Grand Prix in 2024, continuing her success in F1 Academy.

Reflecting on this mammoth achievement, Bustament was quoted by Formula1.com saying, “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 Philippines,” she added, “I still have a hard time seeing my name next to McLaren without getting emotional, as the history and heritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.”

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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella reflected on her excitement, “I’m pleased that Bianca is joining our Driver Development programme. She’s a promising young talent who has a brilliant work ethic and is aligned closely to our team’s values.”

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Stella cited how he is looking forward to working with Bianca at the Papaya outfit. McLaren often is known for its extensive driver programme, signing drivers left, right & center. However, this could be the game changer with a female driver on board, showing good signs for the dreamt first female full-time F1 driver in the modern era.

A new era for Formula 1?

There has long been debate as to why a woman has not made it to Formula 1. Whether it be the lack of power steering in the feeder series or the lack of opportunity. One thing is for certain, Formula 1 teams are now creating more opportunities for a diverse set of drivers to rise up to the top sport.

McLaren has taken notes from Aston Martin and has put forward their bid toward inclusivity in the sport. Andrea Stella stated, “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.” With their backing, Bustamente aims to continue the path toward Formula 1.

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With female drivers such as Hawkins getting a shot at testing out F1 cars, it is only a matter of time before we see a talented female driver on the grid. It is a positive sign that other teams are following Aston Martin’s footsteps to create a better platform for all. It will be a truly momentous season when the grid is greeted with its first-ever female F1 driver!