This article profiles Bianca Bustamante, a 20-year-old Filipina driver making waves in the world of Formula 1. She's the first woman accepted into McLaren's Driver Development Programme and is featured in Netflix's upcoming docuseries, F1 Academy.
Bustamante's journey hasn't been easy. She's been financially independent since 16, funding her career through brand deals secured via her substantial social media following (over 3 million followers). While this has propelled her career, it's also created pressure and anxieties.
Despite these challenges, Bustamante has achieved significant milestones:
Bustamante's participation in the GB3 Championship is significant as she'll be competing in a mixed-gender race for the first time, following in the footsteps of only two other women to qualify and start an F1 race in history.
She acknowledges the pressure but also highlights her drive to inspire the next generation of female racers. She aims to be a beacon for women in a predominantly male-dominated sport, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
The Netflix docuseries, F1 Academy, produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, will provide behind-the-scenes access to Bustamante's journey and the experiences of other female drivers.