With the W Series’ future in question, it brings us comfort to know that a newly-launched series is giving women drivers another route into the pinnacle of motorsports. One of those getting another chance is Bianca Bustamante, who has just been confirmed for a full season in the all-female F1 Academy with PREMA.
To refresh your memory, when Bianca was selected for the W Series Academy Team last year, it was a contract for two seasons not only one. But her sophomore year became uncertain ever since the series hit financial troubles… yet again. Thankfully, PREMA managed to scooped her up just in time and gave her a seat in their team for the inaugural F1 Academy season in 2023.
The 18-year-old Filipina has had a busy schedule since the year began. From January ’til February, Bianca has a full calendar competing in the Formula 4 UAE also with the acclaimed Italian team PREMA Racing. With the season now reaching its halfway point, she currently sits 24th in the championship with a best result of 10th place at Kuwait Motor Town.
The F1 Academy has not yet announced its 2023 calendar, but they did say that the inaugural season will comprise of seven events of three races each. And one of those is expected to coincide with a Formula 1 event.
Unlike the W Series which utilizes slightly faster Formula Regional cars, the F1 Academy will be running with a Tatuus T421 chassis which is exactly what Bianca has been driving in Formula 4 UAE. Hopefully, this gives her a head start once the new season begins as she competes in familiar machinery.
Bianca will work alongside PREMA Racing to focus on full driver development as she takes a major step closer to Formula 1. Aside from racing, she also has a rigorous testing and training program with the team, giving her both education and seat time, which she lacked in the 2022 season.
Her opportunity with PREMA has been supported by Lance East Office, owned by successful gaming and tech entrepreneur Lance Escalante. Bianca will continue to promote the Lance Exotics branding on her car as she represents the Philippines at the highest levels of motorsports.
Bianca Bustamante: “I am so excited to be racing in the F1 Academy with PREMA in 2023. The team is incredible and I have already learned so much in the short period of time I have been with the team at the F4 UAE Championship. The F1 Academy is an amazing initiative for rising female talent in motorsports and I am looking forward to seeing what I can achieve with PREMA. I want to thank Liberty Media as well as Laurence Escalante for giving me support and making this possible. Also, a shout out to all my supporters and partners for continuing to help me in chasing my Formula 1 dream.”
Rene Rosin, PREMA Team Principal: “We are happy to announce Bianca for our new F1 Academy program. We enjoy working together in the F4 UAE Championship and we feel there is great potential we can build on for the future. I think she will be an outstanding fit right from the start, especially considering what she was able to achieve in her first experiences, and we are determined to provide her with our best support.”
