McLaren’s Bianca Bustamante receives her “Papaya Orange”-coated challenger heading into the Formula 1 (F1) Academy’s second season. The British constructor teased the release of her car through an Instagram reel, showcasing the 19-year-old’s first interaction and its intricacies. The news follows Scuderia Ferrari’s acquisition of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton come 2025.
Instagram: @mclaren and @racerbia
Similarly to its Formula 1 counterpart, McLaren’s F1 Academy representative sports a sleek monochromatic “Papaya Orange” livery with Bustamante’s number 16 slated on its nose cone. Its iconic “Faster Speed Mark” appears near the front wing with branding encapsulating its rear and coke panels. F1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” mantra is placed on the halo, while a Philippine Flag with her surname appears on the side panel as a tribute to her heritage.
The former Prema Racing-turned-Art Grand Prix driver was in awe of the final product, expressing her excitement to suit up for her dream franchise.
“The design is incredibly iconic, and I’m so looking forward to racing in Papaya,” Bustamante mentioned. “Lately, it has been a full push both on and off the track to prepare,” she added.
Bustamante and American Lia Block eye a Jeddah debut for Art Grand Prix come the March 7-9, 2024, race weekend—the first of seven races populated across its 2024-25 calendar.
