Before she even turned 21, Bianca Bustamante had already raced across continents. She carried the hopes of a nation, and stepped into roles few women have held in international motorsport. But when The Girls Who – Motorsport caught up with her ahead of her Formula E rookie test in Berlin, the young Filipina’s words were less about achievement and more about reflection, gratitude, and quiet determination.
Just a year ago, Bustamante was best known for her performances in the F1 Academy, Formula 1’s all-female junior series. Today, she’s juggling a seat in the highly competitive GB3 Championship with a development driver role at Cupra Kiro, one of the newest and most exciting teams in Formula E. The transition has been anything but easy—but it’s one she’s embraced fully.
“I don’t think if it weren’t for F1 Academy I’d have a career, to be honest,” she said candidly. “Being alongside Formula 1, learning from the teams… that’s such a crucial part of your development as a driver.”
Now competing in a mixed-gender championship, Bustamante is pushing her limits like never before. GB3, she says, is “the best point in my career right now” because of how much she’s learning. It’s evident that she’s thriving in this new phase.
A Lucky Charm in Berlin?
Her role with Kiro in Formula E has also proven fruitful—literally. At her very first race weekend shadowing the team, Dan Ticktum claimed his first podium. A moment Bustamante humbly remembers as she told The Girls Who – Motorsport.
“It was the first day on the job for me—and the team won. So I think it was a great first race.”
That weekend in Berlin is also where she returned for the official rookie test, just a day after the double-header E-Prix. And she couldn’t be more excited.
“I’ve never been to a Formula E double-header before, so that’s something I’m really looking forward to. Seeing the Pit Boost for the first time firsthand… that’s also very cool.”
Formula E’s unique energy management, technical demands and unpredictable weather could pose a challenge. It’s the kind of challenge Bustamante relishes.
Her First Taste of Gen3
It won’t be her first time in a Formula E car, though. That came during the All-Women’s Test in Madrid last year, where she was one of the standout performers. The Filipina set the third-fastest lap time of the day in November.
“It’s still the fastest car I’ve ever driven,” she recalled with a grin. “We were hitting close to 100 miles per hour in Jarama. Quite a technical track.”
More than the raw speed, what impressed her most was the level of discipline required to tame the Gen3 car. This is something that’s only deepened her respect for the series.
Facing the Future—Electrified
Bustamante isn’t shy when it comes to imagining a full-time switch to Formula E.
“You never really know where you’re going to end up in your career,” she admitted. “Formula E is a huge deal and a great pathway. A lot of drivers that were aiming for F1 end up going there—and for good reason.”
With her foot already in the door, she’s well aware that her next step could come sooner than expected. “I don’t think I’m very far away from it,” she said, a glint of hope in her voice.
And if she ever had a wildcard choice for a race debut? She didn’t hesitate.
“Philippine Grand Prix. That would be quite spectacular.”
Representation, Responsibility—and Reality
As one of the very few Southeast Asian women in the upper parts of motorsport, Bustamante carries a burden most athletes never experience: visibility. She’s become a role model simply by showing up.
“I hate being the first and being that and being this,” she confessed. “The goal is to be the first of many. And it takes a whole movement for that to happen.”
She’s part of that movement now, inspiring girls—not just in the Philippines, but around the world. That responsibility isn’t lost on her.
“If you can see it, you can be it. I don’t see a lot of myself out there.”
The Best Advice She Ever Got? “Care Less.”
Despite the media attention, sponsorship pressure, and expectations that come with high-performance sport, Bustamante is learning how to protect her peace.
“I often overthink and worry about things that never end up happening,” she said. “My manager once told me: ‘Care less.‘. Tunnel vision. And that really stuck with me.”
It’s a mantra she wishes she could share with her younger self. Someone who lived with a constant sense of urgency, believing every race could be her last.
“Now I realise one bad race does not define who you are and what you can be. So yeah—worry less.”
With her passion for learning, her humility in success, and her vision for a more inclusive paddock, Bianca Bustamante is quickly becoming one of the most relatable and quietly revolutionary figures in motorsport today.
Her journey is still unfolding—but it’s already one worth watching.
Watch the full interview with Bianca Bustamante on YouTube now for more insights on her racing journey, her Formula E aspirations, and what it really means to be a woman making history in motorsport.