Bustamante and Lloyd to drive for NEOM McLaren in Formula E's Women's Test

Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd will get their first taste of Formula E next month when the pair get behind the wheel for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team at the World Championship's first-ever Women's Test.

Both drivers are part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, with Bustamante joining last season ahead of her sophomore F1 ACADEMY campaign. The 19-year-old currently has one podium finish this season and sits seventh in the Standings with two rounds to go.

Newly announced to be representing McLaren on the 2025 F1 ACADEMY grid with Rodin Motorsport, Lloyd will drive the GEN3 Evo car off the back of her first British F4 campaign and her points-scoring Wild Card appearance in Singapore.

“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," said Bustamante. "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: “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.”

The first-of-its-kind Women's Test will take place on November 7 during Formula E's Pre-Season Test in Valencia, Spain. Each team in the World Championship will be required to field at least one woman driver, with Chloe Chambers and Nerea Martí already announced to be representing the Andretti Formula E Team.