Bianca Bustamante – The Trailblazing Filipina Racing Driver Redefining Motorsport
Who Is Bianca Bustamante?
Bianca Bustamante is a name that is rapidly becoming synonymous with ambition, speed, and inspiration in global motorsport. A professional Filipina racing driver, she proudly represents the Philippines on the international stage as a GB3 Championship driver for Elite Motorsport. Born on 19 January 2005 in Manila, Philippines, Bianca’s journey from karting prodigy to international single-seater driver reflects a rare blend of passion, persistence, and pioneering spirit.
Having started competitive racing at the tender age of five, Bianca has spent over a decade dedicated to mastering her craft. She has raced in both local and international championships, gradually carving a path toward her ultimate dream — to become the first female Formula 1 driver of this era. Her story is not just about racing; it is about breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for women and Asian athletes in one of the most competitive sports on earth.
Bianca Bustamante Age, Early Life and Education
Bianca Denise Bustamante, born on 19 January 2005 in the Philippines and now 20 years old as of 2025, was raised in a supportive family that played a central role in shaping her passion for motorsport. Her father, Raymund Bustamante, introduced her to karting at an early age, even buying her first racing suit before she could complete a full lap. Her mother, Janice Bustamante, was equally instrumental, offering constant encouragement as Bianca navigated the challenges of a male-dominated sport.
Educated at UST Angelicum College, Bianca successfully balanced her academic commitments with the demands of international racing — a reflection of her remarkable discipline, focus, and ambition that have defined her journey from childhood to professional motorsport.
Racing Beginnings: Karting to International Competitions
Humble Beginnings in the Philippines
Bianca’s professional racing career began in the karting circuits of the Philippines, where she quickly became one of the most promising young talents. Competing against boys much older and stronger than her, she consistently proved her mettle through both skill and perseverance.
Rising Through Asian and International Karting
Between 2017 and 2020, Bianca raced with top karting teams such as AutoInc Racing and Kart Republic Asia. These experiences shaped her technical understanding of race craft and vehicle dynamics. Her achievements during this period include:
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2018 AAP National Karting Series Junior Class Champion
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2018 Junior Asian Karting Open Champion
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2019 International Karter of the Year
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2019 Philippines Driver of the Year – Karting
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Multiple victories in the IAME X30 and ROK GP Championships, winning six races with six pole positions in both series.
Her karting success not only elevated her profile in the Asian motorsport scene but also laid the foundation for her entry into single-seater racing.
Transition to Single-Seater Racing
W Series – Breaking Ground in 2022
Bianca Bustamante made her single-seater debut in 2022 in the W Series, an all-female championship designed to create opportunities for women in motorsport. Though it was a learning curve, Bianca gained invaluable experience competing against some of the world’s most talented female drivers.
F1 Academy and McLaren Partnership
In 2023, Bianca joined PREMA Racing in the inaugural F1 Academy season — a major step forward in her career. She made headlines that same year when she was signed as the first female driver for the McLaren Driver Development Programme, a significant milestone not only for her but also for Filipino motorsport.
During her F1 Academy campaign with PREMA, Bianca secured her first race win in Valencia, Spain, and went on to claim multiple podiums. Her performance placed her seventh overall in the championship. In 2024, she continued in the F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix, achieving consistent results and gaining recognition as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid.
Bianca Bustamante’s GB3 Championship Journey
Joining Elite Motorsport in 2025
In 2025, Bianca Bustamante made a bold step forward by joining Elite Motorsport to compete in the GB3 Championship — a premier single-seater series based in the United Kingdom. This transition marks her debut in one of Europe’s most competitive developmental racing categories. Driving car number 16, Bianca continues to demonstrate her adaptability and determination against seasoned international competitors.
The GB3 platform is widely regarded as a stepping stone toward FIA Formula 3 and, eventually, Formula 1. For Bianca, this move is a strategic progression in her journey to the top of the motorsport ladder.
Formula E and Development Driver Roles
Beyond her achievements in traditional single-seater racing, Bianca has also ventured into electric racing, embracing the future of motorsport.
She has tested with McLaren Formula E during rookie sessions and later joined CUPRA KIRO Racing in 2025 as a Development Driver. Her participation in Formula E rookie tests showcases her growing versatility and ability to handle advanced electric race technology — skills increasingly valuable in modern racing.
Departure from McLaren
In early 2025, McLaren confirmed that Bianca Bustamante had left the McLaren Driver Development Programme after a year of collaboration. The split was amicable, and both parties expressed mutual respect. According to reports, the decision was a natural conclusion to her one-year contract, allowing Bianca to focus on her GB3 campaign.
Despite her exit, Bianca’s time with McLaren remains historic — she was the first-ever Southeast Asian female driver to represent the team, an achievement that continues to inspire aspiring racers across the region.
Awards and Recognition
Bianca’s racing career has been decorated with numerous accolades, both on and off the track:
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Race Winner, F1 Academy (2023)
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Best Sports Content Creator, TikTok Awards (2023)
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International Karter of the Year (2019)
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Philippines Driver of the Year (2019)
These honours reflect not only her athletic talent but also her growing influence as a sports personality and content creator. With a strong social media presence — boasting over 1.7 million followers on Instagram (@racerbia) — Bianca uses her platform to promote diversity, empowerment, and the Filipino spirit in motorsport.
Personal Life and Character
Bianca Bustamante is deeply proud of her Filipino heritage. She often uses the hashtags #LabanPilipinas and #BB16, symbolising both national pride and personal identity. While she maintains a professional and private public persona, she has spoken openly about her mission to inspire young girls in Asia to chase their dreams fearlessly.
As of 2025, there is no confirmed information about her personal relationships, as Bianca keeps her focus entirely on her racing career and advocacy work. Her life outside the track includes training, travel, media appearances, and developing partnerships with global motorsport brands.
Bianca Bustamante’s Legacy and Future Goals
Bianca’s vision goes beyond winning races. She aims to disrupt motorsport culture by proving that women — and particularly Asian women — can succeed at the highest levels of competition.
Her long-term dream is clear: to become the first female Formula 1 driver of this generation. With her talent, determination, and growing experience in GB3 and Formula E, she stands as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future in racing.
FAQs
1. How old is Bianca Bustamante?
Bianca Bustamante is 20 years old. She was born on 19 January 2005 in Manila, Philippines.
2. Who are Bianca Bustamante’s parents?
Her parents are Raymund and Janice Bustamante. Her father, Raymund, introduced her to racing at a very young age and played a major role in supporting her motorsport career.
3. Where is Bianca Bustamante from?
Bianca is proudly Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines. She represents her country on the global motorsport stage, carrying the Philippine flag wherever she races.
4. What is Bianca Bustamante’s current team?
As of 2025, Bianca races for Elite Motorsport in the GB3 Championship, a highly competitive single-seater series based in the United Kingdom. She drives car number 16.
5. Why did Bianca Bustamante leave McLaren?
Bianca left the McLaren Driver Development Programme in early 2025 after completing her one-year partnership. The exit was amicable and allowed her to focus fully on her GB3 campaign and new role as a Development Driver for CUPRA KIRO in Formula E.
6. What is Bianca Bustamante’s estimated net worth?
While exact figures vary, Bianca Bustamante’s estimated net worth is around $500,000–$1 million USD, derived from sponsorships, prize money, brand endorsements, and partnerships with major racing organisations.
7. What is Bianca Bustamante’s ultimate goal in motorsport?
Bianca’s long-term dream is to become the first female Formula 1 driver of this generation, proving that women and Asian athletes can compete — and win — at the highest levels of global motorsport.
Conclusion: The Rise of a Filipino Motorsport Icon
Bianca Bustamante represents a new era of motorsport — one that celebrates diversity, resilience, and ambition. From the kart tracks of Manila to the racing circuits of Europe, her journey is an inspiring testament to dedication and courage.
At just 20 years old, Bianca has already achieved more than most athletes accomplish in a lifetime, yet her story is still in its early chapters. As she continues to accelerate through her GB3 career and beyond, one thing is certain: Bianca Bustamante is not just racing for victory — she is racing for history.
