The young female driver knows that while her ambition burns bright, there is more to her than just victories and podium finishes. Bustamante sets other personal goals that prioritise gaining valuable experience to ultimately become a better version of herself in and out of the race track.

Bustamante shares, “I couldn’t find happiness elsewhere because it was always just about the racing and winning. And so I’m going into the season with a completely different mindset because I know I won’t win all the time, so that means I can’t link my happiness to it. It’s good when you win but when you lose it’s about finding happiness within yourself.”

Bustamante will soon start her second F1 Academy season with a strategic shift, joining the ART Grand Prix team and her inclusion in the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Programme, granting her access to unparalleled resources, cutting-edge technology, and mentorship from one of the most established names in the field. Both ART Grand Prix and McLaren have taken extra steps to prepare for the upcoming season by competing in 3 out of 4 rounds of the Formula Winter Series in Spain during the off-season.

Set to sport the iconic McLaren “Papaya” team livery throughout the year, Bustamante shares, “I’m the type of person that generates power and confidence from the people around her. I have a team that truly believes that I can be competitive this year and fight in front, and that says a lot. In finding that, I’ve found confidence in myself.”

Bustamante faces the first test of her skills and the new partnership at the tricky Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 7 to 9. As it is the second longest circuit on the Formula One calendar, she will need to demonstrate exceptional precision and tenacity on the iconic street circuit.  Despite the challenges most drivers have in Jeddah, this one happens to be one of Bustamante’s favourites as she shares “I love Jeddah. The fact that you’re so close to the wall and you’re just sending the car and just playing with those limits, I just love that feeling.”

With her second season at the F1 Academy about to be underway, she comes in with laser focus. “This year I’m here to fight for the championship and I've got every single variable with me in my favour to go in there to perform as best as I can. I have the best team with me to make me the best driver I can be, and it’s my job to be the best person I can be so then the driving side will be a lot easier,” Bustamante says.

Motorsport fans can follow Bustamante and all the action of academy sessions during select F1 race weekends through its official website and also via live broadcast on F1 TV.

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