F1 Academy racer Bianca Bustamante has become the newest addition to the McLaren Driver Development programme, with the 18-year-old making history as the first female driver to join the British team’s development programme.
I fear those development driver programs are more empty gestures than real progress. To cordon off the drivers in a dedicated low-tier series, put them in a simulator once in a while, and get them out only for some promo shots once in a blue moon isn’t really progress.
In sportscar racing, what Iron Lynx does with their Iron Dames programme is real progress: They put their drivers on equal footing in top racing series and the drivers are killing it.
I mean, McLaren doesnt need to have her in their programme at all. They could simply sponsor her in F1 Academy. Actually taking her into their programme suggests that they want to develop her for at least F3.
I fear those development driver programs are more empty gestures than real progress. To cordon off the drivers in a dedicated low-tier series, put them in a simulator once in a while, and get them out only for some promo shots once in a blue moon isn’t really progress.
In sportscar racing, what Iron Lynx does with their Iron Dames programme is real progress: They put their drivers on equal footing in top racing series and the drivers are killing it.
I mean, McLaren doesnt need to have her in their programme at all. They could simply sponsor her in F1 Academy. Actually taking her into their programme suggests that they want to develop her for at least F3.
Maybe but considering who the McLaren owners are, I’m doubtful of a pro-female attitude going further than being promotional.