McLaren developmental driver Bianca Bustamante. –BIANCA TWITTER
MANILA, Philippines—From the F1 Academy to the real deal, Bianca Bustamante is slowly accomplishing her childhood dreams.
After her huge feat of being added by McLaren to its F1 developmental program a few days ago, Bustamante continued her journey by getting to sit inside an F1 car for the first time.
The young Filipina shared her story on X on Monday, posting pictures to encapsulate the moment.
My Roman Empire for awhile🥺
Thank you for this @McLarenF1 #McLaren #F1 #F1Academy #BiancaBustamante pic.twitter.com/lNh9VYi2t6— Bianca Bustamante (@racerbia) October 31, 2023
“From dreaming, to sitting inside an F1 Car for the very first time,” wrote Bustamante.
The 18-year-old posted another picture on Wednesday, saying being inside an F1 car would be her “Roman Empire” for a while.
Before being called up to be a member of McLaren’s developmental program, Bustamante showed her prowess in the F1 Academy for Prema Racing.
In the 15-field competition, Bustamante won races in Spain and Italy. That, and having podium finishes twice as she finished in seventh place in the event.