Bianca Bustamante set for Formula E test with McLaren

Nineteen-year-old Bustamante has represented McLaren during her second season in F1 Academy, she scored a podium in Miami and currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings.

She’ll share her Formula E driving duties with Ella Lloyd, who has been announced as McLaren’s F1 Academy driver for 2025 after an impressive points-scoring series debut in Singapore.

The pair will drive the new Gen3 Evo car set to race for the first time in Season 11 of Formula E, which begins with the Sao Paulo E-Prix in December.

Following the announcement, Bustamante said: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a Gen3 Evo car with the McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia. I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator, and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lloyd added: “This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E Gen3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”

McLaren Formula E Team Principal, Ian James, said: “I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia pre-season testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the McLaren Formula E Team.

“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation.

“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport.”

Formula E’s women’s test takes place on 7th November during pre-season testing in Valencia, where each team will field at least one female driver during the half-day session. Alongside Bustamante and Lloyd, Chloe Chambers and Nerea Martí have also been confirmed as drivers for Andretti.