After a full year representing both Elite Motorsport and Cupra Kiro, let’s take a look at how successful the pride of the Philippines in motorsport, Bianca Bustamante, was throughout her races in the GB3 Championship and FIA Formula E World Championship.
Embracing New Challenges in GB3
Entering GB3 was a bold move for the 20-year-old Filipina racer, who previously made waves in the F1 Academy.
Competing against seasoned drivers in mixed-grid races and handling the powerful Tatuus MSV GB3-025 marked a significant step up from her earlier machinery.
Bustamante admitted the transition wasn’t easy. In her own words uploaded in her own website, this is what she had to say:
“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.”
Still, Bia viewed 2025 as a developmental year, one wherein she focused on adaptation and improvement rather than sheer results.
Despite the steep learning curve, Bustamante achieved personal bests that underscored her steady progress.
Photo Credits: Bianca Bustamante Website
Her standout results included P13 finishes at Zandvoort and Hungary, complemented by several top 15 performances throughout the season. Competing in the UK’s elite single-seater circuit for the first time, she proved her ability to keep pace with some of the brightest young talents in European motorsport.
Growth Beyond the Track
More than just a test of driving skill, Bustamante’s GB3 campaign pushed her physically and mentally.
Photo Credits: Bianca Bustamante IG
Determined to handle the car’s increased power and downforce, she focused heavily on conditioning and endurance training throughout the year. Her regimen included intensive strength work, cardio sessions, and countless hours on the simulator, all aimed at fine-tuning her control and precision.
Bustamante then added:
“I feel that I have grown tremendously as both a driver and a person, learning from every lap and every event, and I am so grateful to Elite Motorsport and my sponsors for their support in my debut GB3 season. My aim is for my driving to take a big step forward in the coming season.”
Photo Credits: Bianca Bustamante Website
Her development wasn’t limited to the GB3 grid. Off the track, Bustamante earned further recognition by balancing dual commitments as a Formula E Development Driver for Cupra Kiro, expanding her expertise into the electric racing sphere.
Experience in Formula E and the Women’s Test
In addition to her GB3 duties, Bustamante seized valuable opportunities with Cupra Kiro in the FIA Formula E circuit.
Photo Credits: Bianca Bustamante IG
She notably achieved a P3 finish in the Formula E Women’s Test held in Valencia which is definitely an impressive result that underscored her adaptability across racing disciplines.
The Valencia test followed her participation in the Rookie Test in Berlin, both offering significant track time and technical learning experiences.
Reflecting on these milestones, Bustamante said, “The Formula E Women’s Test in Valencia and the Rookie Test in Berlin were also incredible opportunities that helped me develop further, and I thank Cupra Kiro for putting their faith in me.”
Through these experiences, she not only broadened her driving repertoire but also strengthened her reputation as one of the most versatile and promising young racers representing Asia on the global stage.
The Penultimate Dream: To Race in Formula 1
Bustamante’s rookie season was built upon discipline and dedication, both in her physical preparation and her mindset.
Photo Credits: Bianca Bustamante IG
Balancing multiple racing commitments while adjusting to European competition levels required relentless effort. As one of the few Filipinas competing internationally in open-wheel racing, she carried immense pride representing her country while striving to elevate her performance.
As she looks ahead, Bianca remains focused on continuous improvement. Her 2026 racing program is expected to be announced soon, and in the meantime, she continues an intense winter training program designed to refine her endurance, reaction time, and technical consistency.
Her commitment was clear in her reflections:
“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. Despite the steep learning curve, three P13 finishes and multiple top 15 results were big positives.”
Bia then added, “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.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Formula 3 and Beyond
The 2025 season proved to be a defining period for Bianca Bustamante, one which is filled with challenges, lessons, and meaningful progress.
Competing against Europe’s toughest young drivers, she managed to translate her raw talent into tangible results while gaining valuable technical and mental experience that will serve her well in the next stages of her career.
Her development as both a GB3 driver and Formula E development racer illustrates her adaptability and ambition.
With her growing international exposure, consistent improvement, and unwavering work ethic, Bustamante stands as a symbol of perseverance for aspiring Filipino racers aiming to make their mark in global motorsport.
Key Takeaway: Another Filipina Athlete Dominating in Individual Sports
Just like the rise of Alex Eala in tennis this 2025, Bianca Bustamante’s rookie season tells the story of a young driver determined to build her foundation the right way, nothing but pure hard work, learning, and resilience.
She didn’t enter GB3 expecting instant podiums but rather committed to mastering the process of growth, both technically and personally. Her humility and dedication, paired with her growing presence in Formula E, position her as one of the most promising figures in Asian motorsport today.
If she maintains her current trajectory which is combining her balancing performance, discipline, and adaptability, Bianca will surely have every chance to climb the ladder toward Formula 3 and eventually Formula 1.
Her story is not just about results; it’s about representation, persistence, and inspiring the next generation of racers who dream of competing at the world’s highest level.
