(Photo from McLaren/Instagram)
A young Filipina-American woman is breaking barriers on the global motorsport stage. Bianca Bustamante, a 19-year-old racing phenom, has etched her name in history as the first female driver in the McLaren Driver Development Programme. Now she’s set for a new challenge in 2025 in CB3 with Elite Motorsport.
“Two years ago, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of being able to compete at this level,” says Bianca.
Born in the Philippines, Bianca Bustamante’s journey began on the karting tracks of Laguna province. Fueled by passion and grit, she quickly climbed the motorsport ladder. In 2022, she made her single-seater debut in the W Series, earning top rookie honours. By 2023, she was racing in the inaugural F1 Academy season with PREMA Racing, securing two wins and two podiums before its finale in Austin, Texas.
Her achievements opened doors to the McLaren Driver Development programme, a prestigious platform that nurtures young talent aiming for careers in Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula E. Bustamante will now represent McLaren in the 2024 F1 Academy season, driving for ART Grand Prix in the team’s iconic papaya livery.
More than just a driver, Bustamante’s marketability has skyrocketed. She ranked 64th on the 2024 list of the world’s most marketable athletes by SportsPro Media, making her the only Filipino on the list. With over three million followers across social media platforms, her content resonates with fans in over 20 countries, offering glimpses into her racing career, personal life, and modelling endeavours.
Brands like Google, McLaren Racing, Logitech G, and Sephora have taken notice, enlisting Bustamante as an ambassador. Her authenticity, coupled with her stellar performances, makes her a magnet for global sponsors.
“I always laugh when people call me marketable,” she said in an interview. “I’m just a kid having fun doing what I love.”
As she wraps up her time in the F1 Academy—due to its two-year participation limit—she is set to take on new challenges in the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport in 2025. Testing higher downforce cars has already boosted her confidence, and she is eager to push her limits further.
