Bianca Bustamante has completed her rookie campaign in the GB3 Championship, marking another milestone in her quest to secure a career in Formula 1 (F1), the pinnacle of motorsport, and represent the Philippines. The 20-year-old driver from Manila took on one of the United Kingdom’s premier single-seater series as a crucial step up to the next level – the Formula 3 (F3).
Racing under the guidance of her team, Elite Motorsport, Bustamante faced the challenge of adapting to a faster, more powerful machinery in the form of the new Tatuus MSV GB3-025, as well as finding her groove in the middle of a competitive grid. One thing worth noting is that this was Bustamante’s first time to compete in an international racing series where men and women are equal on the track.
Despite the steep learning curve, Bustamante showed steady progress throughout the season. She recorded personal best finishes of 13th place at Zandvoort and the Hungaroring, along with multiple top-15 results, including strong drives at Silverstone and Donington Park. Her determination and resilience earned her recognition within the paddock, underscoring her potential as one of Southeast Asia’s promising young racing drivers to watch.
In addition to her GB3 campaign, Bustamante also continued to gain experience as a Formula E Development Driver for Cupra Kiro. She delivered a standout performance at the Formula E Women’s Test in Valencia, where she finished 3rd, following her earlier participation in the Rookie Test in Berlin. Both outings provided her with valuable experiences in high-level electric single-seater racing, further enriching her racing portfolio.
Off the track, Bustamante devoted herself to an intense physical and mental preparation program. Her training combined strength and endurance work, focusing on the conditioning needed to handle the GB3 racecar’s higher power and downforce. On top of these, she also logged many hours onboard racing simulators to refine her racecraft and adapt to the technical circuits of the GB3 calendar.
“What a year it has been. Stepping into the GB3 Championship was a huge challenge – the cars were faster, the grids more competitive, and every race demanded more from me than ever before. I can’t wait to share my 2026 plans soon. In the meantime, I am determined to keep making the most of every opportunity, and to keep moving closer to my dream of racing in Formula 1,” shared Bianca Bustamante.
