The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team today announces its full driver lineup for the Women’s Test, as part of Pre-Season Testing for the 2024/25 Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, in Valencia, Spain.
The team is pleased to reveal that Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd will form the lineup and will drive for NEOM McLaren in this championship-first test.
Bianca has been involved in racing since the age of five, winning multiple karting championships across Asia. So far in her single-seater career, Bianca has competed in W Series, Formula 4 UAE Championship, Italian Formula 4, USF Juniors and most recently F1 Academy. In October 2023, it was announced Bianca would join the McLaren Driver Development programme, representing the team in the 2024 F1 Academy season with ART Grand Prix.
Ella began racing competitively in 2022 in the Ginetta Junior Championship before competing in in the Ginetta GT Championship the following year, finishing vice-champion.
At the beginning of 2024, Ella competed in the Formula Winter Series, securing the Female Driver Trophy multiple times. She competed in British F4, completing the 2024 season with three P2 results, one P3 and multiple points finishes.
Ella has now joined the McLaren Driver Development programme and will represent the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season with Rodin Motorsport.
The 2024 Women’s Pre-Season Test aims to spearhead racing talent by providing women an opportunity to gain experience in the new GEN3 Evo car, while building their motorsport opportunities. The Women’s Test will take place on Thursday 7 November in Valencia, Spain.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will be in action for Season 11 at Pre-Season Testing in Valencia, Spain on 4 – 7 November, ahead of the season opener São Paulo E-Prix on 7 December 2024.
Bianca Bustamante said: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM 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.”
Ella Lloyd said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Women’s Test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. 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.”
Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, 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 NEOM 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. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month.”
