Bianca Bustamante stays on track with points in Barcelona race
racerbia/Instagram
Filipino American racer Bianca Bustamante just keeps on going up as she showcased her unwavering consistency in the 2024 F1 Academy season with yet another impressive points finish at Race 1 of Round 3 in Barcelona.
McLaren’s first Filipina driver who has proven her mettle by scoring in every race this season, narrowly missed out on the podium as she clinched fourth place in the thrilling opening race of the weekend.
The Fil-Am racer demonstrated her determination both on and off the track, taking to Instagram to reflect on her performance: “It doesn’t get easier, you just grow stronger.”
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The weekend started strong for Bustamante with a formidable showing in Free Practice 1, highlighting McLaren’s competitive pace right from the outset. However, challenges arose during qualifying as the team grappled with the evolving track conditions influenced by F1 grip and rubber, placing additional demands on adaptability.
Undeterred, Bustamante and her team fought relentlessly throughout the race, maximizing the car’s potential and showcasing significant progress.
Her Instagram post captured the essence of their efforts: “We fought all the way, the team and I did everything to maximize the car’s potential and we did. Most importantly, we learned from it and we’ve made the steps needed in the car and driving to fight for the podium today!! Starting P5 for Race 1! Only way to go is up!!”
Bustamante’s consistent performance and steadfast determination underscore her growing prominence in the F1 Academy series, positioning her as a formidable contender in the races to come, as she declared, “Forever Forward!!”
Bustamante is still chasing her maiden win of the season. Prior to this race, she achieved a podium finish in Race 2 in Miami in second.
As McLaren continues to support her development, all eyes remain on Bustamante as she aims to ascend to the podium and beyond in the upcoming rounds of the season.
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