Filipina racecar driver Bianca Bustamante announced on her Facebook and Instagram accounts that she has signed with Palou Motorsport and will compete in the full 2026 season of the Eurocup-3 Winter Series and the Eurocup-3 Championship.
Bianca Bustamante’s “Colorful” Career
The 20-year-old racer has donned many motorsport jerseys in the past.
Bustamante’s career began wearing the most famous one: McLaren in the F1 Academy back in 2023. Then, in 2025, she represented both Cupra Kiro and Elite Motorsports competing in the FIA Formula E World Championship and GB3 Championship.
For 2026, Bianca Bustamante takes on a new challenge as she goes up against the best drivers racing in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Hungary.
Eurocup-3, launched in 2023, has established itself as a key development platform for emerging single-seater talent. It notably features iconic European circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, and Barcelona-Catalunya.
In addition, the series will enter a new technical era in 2026 with the introduction of the Dallara 326 chassis powered by Tom’s Toyota 1.6-liter turbo engine.
Up Against Europe’s Best
The transition from UK to Europe represents a significant challenge for Bustamante, who will be racing a new car in a new championship. Even so, she will still benefit from a familiar and competitive environment.
“Palou Motorsport has had some great achievements since its formation including podiums and a maiden win last season, and its new partnership with PREMA Racing—a team I know well from my time in F1 Academy—gives me confidence that we will work well together,” said Bustamente.
The Eurocup-3 move aligns with Bustamante’s long-term ambitions of progressing to FIA Formula 3 and, eventually, Formula 1.
“Having that familiarity while learning a new car and new series will be really helpful as I prepare for the season ahead,” she added.
Palou Motorsport, founded by four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou and his father Ramon, has formed a technical partnership with PREMA Racing, a top-tier team with which Bustamante previously enjoyed success in the F1 Academy.
Bianca Bustamente’s Eurocup-3 debut is scheduled for February 20–22 at Portimao in Portugal, followed by rounds in Jarama and Motorland. The Championship Series begins in May at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.
Moving Towards a Huge Leap
Bianca Bustamante’s latest move is a step towards achieving her dream of competing in the FIA Formula 3 and F1.
Then again, that is easier said than done. The hope now is that racing against even tougher opponents would allow the young Filipina driver to develop her skills more. This should be the logical next step as the Laguna native has, at least up to this point, not yet accomplished enough to make it to the big leagues. Her lack of a podium finish is notable in this regard.
But if anything, Bianca Bustamante moving to Palou Motorsport could be the restart she needs for a potential breakout year in 2026.
