As the lights prepare to go out at the opening round of F1 Academy 2024, all eyes are on Filipina racer Bianca Bustamante, who is set to make her mark on the tracks adorned in McLaren colors.

Bustamante, aiming to build on her impressive rookie year, is determined to contend for the championship in the competitive 15-driver grid this season. The 19-year-old race winner, part of the McLaren Driver Development programme, is one of the 10 drivers selected by Formula 1 teams to showcase their liveries throughout the seven-round calendar this year.

This season also marks a significant step forward in increasing female involvement in motorsport, with backing from F1 teams providing additional support and opportunities for women in the sport.

Fresh from her debut at the Formula Winter Series, Bustamante is brimming with excitement as she prepares to take on the challenges of the first race weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from March 7 to 9. “I’m very, very excited, a lot of energy coming into our first F1 Academy 2024 race weekend. It’s crazy to think that we’re this close but I am very excited,” she expressed.

Here is the full calendar for the 2024 F1 Academy season, which will coincide with F1 race weekends:

– **Round 1:** Mar 7 to 9 – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia

– **Round 2:** May 3 to 5 – Miami International Autodrome, United States

– **Round 3:** Jun 20 to 22 – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain

– **Round 4:** Aug 23 to 25 – Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands

– **Round 5:** Sep 20 to 22 – Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

– **Round 6:** Nov 29 to Dec 1 – Lusail International Circuit, Qatar

– **Round 7:** Dec 6 to 8 – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Bustamante aims to build on her success from the inaugural season of F1 Academy, where she secured two historic victories and two podium placements. As she embarks on her journey in F1 Academy 2024, Bustamante is poised to make waves and leave a lasting impression on the motorsport world.